Ice Loss Hits Mount Rainier, Elevation Drops Nearly 21 Feet

URGENT UPDATE: Mount Rainier’s elevation has plummeted by nearly 21 feet due to alarming ice loss, according to a groundbreaking study published in July 2023 in the journal Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research. This dramatic decline symbolizes a broader trend affecting five major U.S. mountains, all grappling with unprecedented ice melt attributed to climate change.

The latest findings reveal that Mount Rainier, once towering at 14,410 feet, no longer retains its former height, a change that has significant implications for both the environment and local communities. “The average air temperature on these summits is significantly higher than it was in the 1950s, almost 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit,” stated Eric Gilbertson, an associate teaching professor at Seattle University and a co-author of the study.

The study highlights that four out of the five mountains examined have shrunk by at least 20 feet since 1980. The impact of rising temperatures is evident, with increasing days exceeding freezing, causing ice to melt even at the highest elevations. Moreover, researchers noted a concerning trend of more precipitation falling as rain rather than snow, further exacerbating the situation.

Mount Rainier, regarded as the “most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States,” plays a crucial role in providing essential water supplies for rivers, drinking water, and supporting local ecosystems like salmon habitats. The melting glaciers are not just a climate indicator but a clear warning of catastrophic changes looming ahead.

“Our findings present an obvious and visceral sign of how climate change is impacting these well-known and once-pristine places,” commented Scott Hotaling, an associate professor at Utah State University. He emphasized that the loss of mountain ice, particularly at higher elevations, serves as a critical tipping point for the climate crisis.

Acquiring data for the study was no easy feat. Researchers undertook a rigorous process of measuring the mountains during late summer when snow coverage is minimal. Using high-precision GPS equipment, they recorded detailed height measurements of both the ice and nearby rock outcrops, confirming the significant loss of elevation. This meticulous work was bolstered by laser-mapping data and comparisons of historic photographs.

Although the National Park Service acknowledges the study’s findings, it does not independently set summit elevations. The responsibility lies with the U.S. Geological Survey, which has yet to officially adjust the published elevation of Mount Rainier.

Despite the challenges in tracking ice-capped summits due to the lack of comprehensive databases, the study’s authors assert that we are witnessing the onset of a new era for the western U.S. cryosphere. “Where there is perennial ice, it is likely melting,” they warned.

As the effects of climate change become increasingly visible, the urgency to address these issues escalates. Local communities and ecosystems relying on Mount Rainier’s glaciers face an uncertain future, making this an essential development to monitor closely.

Stay tuned for more updates as researchers continue to explore the profound implications of these changes on our environment and communities.