After passing through a short period of glacial stability in late 1990’s (Figure 16), it appears our glaciers have resumed a negative long-term trend. Along with research from Portland State University, we used 1998 aerial photos of the park to re-inventory all of the glaciers. This effort revealed a 13% decline in glacier area since the 1971 Post inventory. By mapping the maximum extent of all glaciers as identified by moraines, we estimate that glacier area has declined ~40% in the past 150 years.
Figure 16 - Cumulative Balance of NOCA Glaciers
Did You Know?
The North Cascades are named after the abundant waterfalls that lace the mountains. Two of the best known waterfalls are Gorge Falls between Newhalem and Diablo along State Route 20 and Rainbow Falls in the Stehekin Valley.