A medium sized valley glacier with an extensive rock debris cover.   A stagnant glacier with areas of ice collapse and ice cliffs on the edges of meltwater lakes.

 

Data collected:  62 length measurements collected over 118 years since 1892.

 

Studies:  2019 research included analysis of historic topographic maps, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and field observations.  This information was used to reconstruct changes since 1859 of the glacier's debris cover, geometry, flow velocities, and surface features.

 

Lost 6,255 feet or about 1.2 miles in length since 1859.  Lost about 200 feet or more of thickness in 150 years based on observing the height of the lateral moraines above the valley.

 

Since 1892, 51 out of 62 length measurements showed retreat.  Measurement stopped in 2010, because the glacier became stagnant and the location of the terminus was uncertain.

 

The rock debris cover has delayed the glacier's response to climate change.  Most debris is due to melting ice exposing rocks but some is due to avalanches.  Ice cliffs are caused by collapse into subglacial cavities or into meltwater lakes adjacent to the glacier.