On 26.8.2019 we made the following observations on the Witenwasseren glacier (Uri Alps, Switzerland):
The Witenwasseren glacier has lost considerable length and mass since 2017. As its accumulation zone only extends to an altitude of around 2800m, we rate its chances of survival as rather low.
Witenwasseren glacier on 26.8.2019.
The distance between the glacier and the lake has increased due to the melting of the Witenwasseren glacier.
Eastern glacial lake in front of the Witenwasseren glacier on 26.8.2019.
The delta on the west side of the lake has grown in size.
Small delta in the eastern glacial lake on 26.8.2019.
The meltwater from the southern part of the glacier is turbid and transports a lot of sand and finer sediments towards the delta and the lake. The heavier particles are deposited on the delta, while the lighter particles are carried into the lake, where they provide the greyish colour of the lake.
Inflow of the eastern glacial lake on 26.8.2019.
The western glacial lake has grown considerably in size since 2017.
Western Glacial Lake on 26.8.2019.
Western Glacial Lake on 26.8.2019.
Relative to 2017, there was slightly more snow in the Witenwasseren Glacier area on 26.8.2019.