Yukon Geological Survey publication metadata (English, HTML)

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2026-08-26

Late Wisconsinan McConnell glaciation (ca. 24-11 ka) occurred in four phases in the Pelly Mountains of southern Yukon. Phase 1 marked the onset of ice accumulation in cirques above 1524 m above sea level (a.s.l.). These local glaciers expanded and fed valley glaciers that extended into the surrounding lowlands (after 26.3 ka). At glacial maximum or phase 2, the development of ice-divides to the east and south of the Pelly Mountains permitted Cordilleran ice lobes to invade the lesser glaciated Pelly Mountains, which resulted in up-valley ice-flow. This ice-flow arrangement continued into early deglaciation (phase 3), a period characterized by re-advances of the invading ice lobes. Following retreat of the ice lobes from the Pelly Mountains, some local cirque glaciers above 1600 m a.s.l. resumed limited down-valley flow (phase 4). For drift prospecting purposes, the dominant glacial dispersion trajectory in these high relief areas is controlled by the last phases of ice-flow (either phase 3 or 4).

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