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Melting glaciers are making mountain guides' work harder and more dangerous.
Summary
Researchers report 2025 was the second‑worst year for glacier loss in western Canada with about 30 gigatonnes of ice lost, and mountain guides say shrinking ice and changing conditions have altered routes and increased hazards.
Content
Mountain guides in Alberta say shrinking glaciers are changing routes and raising hazards during their work. New research found 2025 was the second‑worst year for glacier loss in western Canada. Scientists estimate about 30 gigatonnes of glacial ice were lost in the region in 2025. Guides report that warming and rapid swings in temperature are amplifying existing mountain hazards.
Key facts:
- Researchers identified 2025 as the second‑worst year for glacier loss in western Canada and estimated about 30 gigatonnes of ice were lost.
- A researcher cited in the report linked warmer temperatures in large part to rising greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use.
- Mountain guides say familiar routes have changed or vanished, with ice replaced by lakes, loose rock or gravel in some places.
- Guides report that rapid temperature fluctuations can destabilize snowpacks and increase hazards such as crevasses and ice falls.
Summary:
The reported ice loss is changing mountain landscapes and guiding operations, prompting adjustments to timing and travel routes. Researchers connect the trend to rising greenhouse gas emissions. Undetermined at this time.
