Pyramid Glacier
TypeMountain glacier
LocationMount Rainier, Pierce County, Washington, USA
Coordinates46°49′23″N 121°47′26″W / 46.82306°N 121.79056°W / 46.82306; -121.79056[1]
Area0.2 square miles (0.5 km2), 1983[2]

The Pyramid Glacier is actually a scattering of glaciers and snowfields located on the south-southwestern flank of Mount Rainier in Washington. It covers 0.2 square miles (0.5 km2) and contains 400 million ft3 (11 million m3) of ice.[2] The glaciers lie at an elevation ranging from about 7,000 feet (2,100 m) to 9,000 ft (2,700 m).[3] The Success Divide separates this glacier from the South Tahoma Glacier to the west. Both the Success Glacier and lower end of the Kautz Glacier border this glacier on the eastern side.[3] Meltwater from the glacier drains into the Nisqually River.[2]

In a June 2023 report from the National Park Service, the glacier had lost 34% of its volume between 2015 and 2021.[4] Based on 2022 satellite imagery, glaciologist Mauri Pelto declared Pyramid Glacier dead.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Google Earth images.
  2. ^ a b c "DESCRIPTION: Mount Rainier Glaciers and Glaciations - Mount Rainier Glacier Hazards and Glacial Outburst Floods". USGS. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
  3. ^ a b "USGS Mount Rainier West (WA) Topo Map". USGS Quad maps. TopoQuest.com. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
  4. ^ Bush, Evan (June 22, 2023). "Three of Mount Rainier's glaciers have melted away". NBC News. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  5. ^ Ryan, John (June 13, 2023), "Another three bite the dust: Heat melts Mount Rainier glaciers", KUOW
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