Canada's melting glaciers continue rapid loss through 2025

Researchers report that B.C. and western North American glaciers lost an estimated 30 gigatonnes of mass in 2025, the second‑worst year on record, and a 2021–24 study found only 2023 was worse.

Scientists report continued and rapid glacier loss in British Columbia and parts of western North America. A research team including University of Northern British Columbia professor Brian Menounos measured glacier mass from 2021–24 and found only 2023 had greater losses. The United Nations declared 2025 the international year of glaciers preservation. Key points: - An estimated 30 gigatonnes of glacier mass was lost in 2025, reported as the second‑worst year on record. - Research covering 2021–24 shows accelerating losses; only 2023 was worse over that period. - In August, a glacial ice dam failure in Bugaboo Provincial Park led to more than 60 hikers and climbers being rescued by helicopter, and the provincial government has hired a geotechnical consultant to assess the flood. - Melting glaciers are reported to affect freshwater supplies in parts of B.C. and Alberta, and scientists are recovering ice cores to preserve climate records stored in mountain ice. Summary: Glacier loss in western Canada is ongoing and has been linked to impacts on local water systems and recent safety incidents in mountain parks. Local assessments, including a geotechnical review of the Bugaboo flood, are underway, while broader responses and outcomes are undetermined at this time.