Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone)

Valdez-Cordova Census Area County, Alaska · Near Valdez
62.0580°N, 145.2220°W · 1,840 ft
39°F air · Good soaking weather 1,840 ft Hike
Aerial view of the ground around Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone)

The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

A mineral spring in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, tied by name to the Lower Klawasi Cone. Valdez is the nearest town, and it is not close. The notable thing in the record is the water: a 1973 sample returned dissolved solids of 27,500 milligrams per liter, which is salt water, well beyond anything drinkable. No temperature was recorded. no access is on record, and so is land ownership.

Location

A hike of about four and a half miles from Silver Springs Loop Road gets you there, according to the record, with no trail named. The spring sits at moderate elevation. Average temperatures hover around freezing across the year. Roughly four feet of snow falls in a season and total precipitation is on the dry side.

Treat the chemistry as the headline. Water that salty is a curiosity to look at, and the sample is old enough that conditions may have shifted. Because access and ownership are blank, find out who holds the ground before walking in. Summer is the only practical season given the snow. No campground or fee is listed.

Terrain

USGS hasn't flown a detailed laser scan here yet, so this view comes from aerial photos and older elevation data.

Setting
Open ground
Flat, open ground all around.
Highest ground nearby
37 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the southwest
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Monthly Climate
Jan
Feb
16°
Mar
32°
Apr
46°
May
55°
Jun
59°
Jul
55°
Aug
46°
Sep
32°
Oct
13°
Nov
Dec
Annual Precip: 17.6 in Annual Snow: 49.2 in
Current Conditions
39°F
Cloudy N 0.0 mph 81% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 58° Low 35° Chance Light Rain 38% precip
Wednesday 58° Low 39° Chance Rain Showers 32% precip
Thursday 56° Low 33° Chance Rain Showers 43% precip
Friday 54° Low 30° Chance Rain Showers 35% precip
Saturday 54° Low 28° Chance Rain Showers 35% precip
Water Chemistry Sampled 1973-07-09

The water at Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone) is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6) with 27500 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).

pH 7.6 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 18 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 150 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 10,500 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 750 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 12,000 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Temperature
No data recorded
Avg Air Temp 31°F
Access
Road Access Hike
Nearest Road Silver Springs Loop Road
Distance to Road 4.5 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone) located?
Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone) is located in Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska at 1,840 feet elevation, near Valdez. Coordinates: 62.0580°N, 145.2220°W.
How do I get to Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone)?
Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone) has Hike road access, with the nearest road being Silver Springs Loop Road (4.5 mi from the road).
What minerals are in the water at Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone)?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.6 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 27,500 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS