Watching Grinnell Glacier Disappear
How do we know when a glacier is getting smaller?
Grinnell Glacier is the park’s most popular glacier—thousands of people hike to it each year. But each of those hikers sees a snapshot of the glacier, and can’t see how it has changed.
We visit Grinnell with someone who hasn’t seen it in 30 years, and a researcher who uses photos to track what its size over the years.
Excerpted from the episode Confluence | Many Glacier, from season one of Headwaters. Season One set out to share stories of nature and culture from each major region of Glacier National Park.
“What I’ve witnessed in just my little lifetime is incredible. Your grandkids, your great grandkids won’t see this.”
Who I Spoke With
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Lisa McKeon
Physical Scientist - USGS
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Gerard Byrd
Local Legend