Carcross Desert, located outsideCarcross,Yukon, Canada, is a series ofsand dunes. The Carcross Desert measures approximately 2.6 km2 (1.0 sq mi), or 259 ha (640 acres).[1][2]
Carcross Desert is commonly referred to as a desert, but is actually a series of northernsand dunes.[2] The area's climate is too humid to be considered a true desert.[3] The sand was formed during thelast glacial period, when largeglacial lakes formed and depositedsilt. When the lakes dried, the dunes were left behind.[2] Today, sand comes mainly from nearbyBennett Lake, carried by wind. The dunes contain a wide variety of plants, including unusual species such as Baikal sedge (Carex sabulosa) andYukon lupine, among others.[3][4][2]
TheGovernment of Yukon has made efforts to protect Carcross Desert in 1992, but failed due to opposition from locals who use the dunes for recreational purposes.[3]
Carcross Desert is significantly drier than the surrounding region, receiving less than 50 cm (20 in) of precipitation per year. This is due in part to arain shadow effect caused by surrounding mountains.[2][5] As a result, several rare species of plant life have taken hold in the comparatively arid conditions.Carex sabulosa, the Baikal sedge, is only known to exist in four other sites in North America, mainly existing in Asia.Yukon lupine, also unusual for the surroundings, "grows like a weed."[4] While the vegetation in the area currently locks much of the dune system in place, a large event such as aforest fire could easily clear out the vegetation and return the dunes to an active state.
The dunes are used by locals forsandboarding. Tourist groups also use the area for off-road scenic tours, which is allowed on the fine-grained dunes. Other summer activities include beach volleyball, hiking, skydiving,[6] andall-terrain vehicles.[2][7]
In the winter, the area is used mainly forcross-country skiing andsnowboarding.[3]
The nearbyWhite Pass and Yukon Route is a popular tourist attraction, bringing many tourists each year to the Carcross area.
Orienteering competitions are held on a map bearing name Carcross Desert which includes parts of the landmark.[8]
The famous Carcross Desert, near Bennett and Tagish lakes, [...] is a striking example of a rain shadow in the region.
60°11′14″N134°41′41″W / 60.18722°N 134.69472°W /60.18722; -134.69472