1960 Map of Valdez B-8

About this map

The vast frozen expanses of the Tazlina Glacier and Columbia Glacier dominate this 1960 field study, showcasing a landscape defined by movement and ice. Mapping of this high-altitude region was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey using photogrammetric methods from aerial photographs taken in the mid-1950s. The resulting topography captures the intricate details of the terrain, specifically the numerous crevasses that mark the surface of the moving ice flows. In the northwest, the Nelchina Glacier flows between high ridges, illustrating the complex glacial network of the Chugach Mountains. This survey provides a primary record of glacial extent before the significant changes of the late 20th century, offering a specific baseline for glaciologists and historical geographers studying the Matanuska-Susitna region.