Description

Takshanuk Mountains near Haines, Alaska

In summer more water melts from glaciers and snow than can flow out from an “alluvial fan reservoir” at the confluence of several rivers. When late fall arrives, surrounding water freezes but reservoir water stays 10-20 degrees warmer and percolates into the Chilkat River. Salmon runs continue into late fall in the open water, attracting up to 3000 Bald Eagles. I had driven up the road along the river at dawn to photo the eagles when I came across this scene.