The Brief
- A dry, warm early autumn has caused the Big Four Ice Caves to completely collapse and created significant melting holes and sub-surface rushing water across Mount Rainier’s Muir Snowfield.
- Washington State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger noted that consecutive warm, dry seasons create cumulative damage on regional glaciers that can lead to lasting, long-term consequences.
- Forecast models project a drier November and December, while an anticipated “Super El Niño” increases the likelihood of a warmer winter ahead.
SEATTLE – Collapsed ice caves along the Mountain Loop Highway and holes in Mount Rainier’s Muir Snowfield are drawing attention after a dry start to fall, as Washington’s state climatologist warns that repeated warm, dry seasons can take a toll.
Tacoma mountain climber Darren Chromey regularly hikes the Muir Snowfield in autumn. This week, what he found stopped him in his tracks.
“The way that the snow has melted this year is unbelievable, especially in September and October,” said Chromey.
Big Four Ice Caves collapse
What we know:…