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posted 01/04/10 10:16 AM | updated 01/05/10 12:24 PM
Featured Post! | Views: 0 | Comments : 4 | Science

Rainier Glaciers Unleash Rolling Rocks

By Michael van Baker
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Mount Rainier's glaciers have shrunk by more than 25 percent in the past 50 years, says the Seattle Times in a story on the effects of melting glaciers. One of those effects is rivers choked by rock (and debris slides closing park roads).

It's not just glacial melt, either: "According to stream-flow data, what was once a 100-year flood on the Nisqually River now occurs every 14 years." Records show that the bed of the river is almost 40 feet higher today than in 1910 because of sediment and gravel collection.

The retreating glaciers are of particular concern in our neck of the woods because their runoff provides drinking water and hydroelectric power.

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Thirst Quencher
Are you just trying to make me thirsty with that headline? Or just depressed and turn to alcohol.

We better sell as much of our electricity and water to California while we still have it!
Comment by TroyJMorris
1 week ago
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RE: Thirst Quencher
Ha! I knew someone would get my subliminal beer messaging!
Comment by Michael van Baker
1 week ago
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Nisqually
In 1981 I walked from the bridge up the river to tthe glacier and was amazed at how tall it was. Rocks were falling off like rain.

I've always wanted to go back. Is the glacier still visible from the bridge?
Comment by Earl_E
1 week ago
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RE: Nisqually
If I'm thinking of the right glacier, it's retreated quite a bit, but you can still see the snub end of it.
Comment by Michael van Baker
1 week ago
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