© Ron Niebrugge—www.wildnatureimages.com

Falling ice from glaciers can kill! Stay away from steep walls of ice, overhangs, or areas with visible cracks and or pieces of broken ice lying on the ground. Never enter an ice cave!

By definition, a glacier is ‘ice on the move.’ Forward momentum causes ice to crack and rock-hard chunks ranging from softball to Volkswagen size break off without warning. Seeing an active glacier up close is an unforgettable experience, but it is extremely dangerous to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you must approach the edge of a glacier, pick a place where the ice slopes gently to the ground. Obey all warning signs, but also keep an eye out for dangers that may not be signed. Since the glacier’s movement can cause rapid changes, rangers may not have had a chance to post new warning signs. Do not attempt to climb on the ice unless you have technical climbing skills and proper equipment. It is more dangerous than it looks!