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Von: Simon Oberli, Fotograf
   
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Further observations on this glacier:
Date:20.06.202203.07.202320.07.2024

11.08.2022: Observations Kanderfirn and Gasteretal (Bernese Alps)

On 11.7.2022 we were able to make the following observations on the Kanderfirn and in the Gasteretal (Bernese Alps):

Kanderfirn

Kanderfirn at a glance. Situation on 11.8.2022.
Kanderfirn at a glance. Situation on 11.8.2022.
View over the Kanderfirn towards the Mutthorn. Situation on 11.8.2022.
View over the Kanderfirn towards the Mutthorn. Situation on 11.8.2022.

Glacial end and proglacial lakes

View of the glacier tongue of the Kanderfirn and the proglacial lakes. Situation on 11.8.2022.
View of the glacier tongue of the Kanderfirn and the proglacial lakes. Situation on 11.8.2022.
The outflow of the meltwater towards the Gasteretal takes place at the left edge of the picture.
End of the Kanderfirn with the progracial lakes. Situation on 11.8.2022.
End of the Kanderfirn with the progracial lakes. Situation on 11.8.2022.
Glacier snout of the Kanderfirn. Situation on 11.8.2022.
Glacier snout of the Kanderfirn. Situation on 11.8.2022.
As a result of the large amounts of meltwater, part of the water of the northern (upper in the photo) lake flowed along the ice directly into the glacial stream on 11.8.2022. It will be interesting to see how this area will develop by next year.
Southern outflow of meltwater from the Kanderfirn. Situation on 11.8.2022.
Southern outflow of meltwater from the Kanderfirn. Situation on 11.8.2022.
The second outlet is on the north side of the Kanderfirn. The water tumbles over a high rock face.

Gasteretal

Largely unnoticed by the public, several rockfalls/debris flows of considerable magnitude occurred in the Gasteretal on 28.7.2022 after heavy rain and completely covered alpine pastures with debris and mud. The alpine pastures can no longer be used. Since the thawing of the permafrost on the northern side of the Hockenhorn - Sackhorn - Elwertätsch - Birghorn chain, this process has repeated itself several times in recent years. The alpine pastures form part of the livelihood of mountain farmers.
Alpine meadow covered with scree and sand. Photo from 11.8.2022.
Alpine meadow covered with scree and sand. Photo from 11.8.2022.
Before 28.7.2022, an alpine pasture was located here, which reached as far as the spruces/firs on the banks of the Kander. The layer of rubble and sand is up to 1 m thick. The alpine pasture can no longer be used.
Looking uphill from the same location as the previous photo. Photo from 11.8.2022.
Looking uphill from the same location as the previous photo. Photo from 11.8.2022.
Before 28.7.2022, the alpine pasture extended to slightly above the medium-sized spruce/fir on the right of the picture.
The Kander, which carries a lot of (melting) water, seeks its way in the wide streambed. Photo from 11.8.2022.
The Kander, which carries a lot of (melting) water, seeks its way in the wide streambed. Photo from 11.8.2022.
Very much (melting) water carrying Kander near Heimritz. Photo from 11.8.2022.
Very much (melting) water carrying Kander near Heimritz. Photo from 11.8.2022.
On the left you can see the Berggasthaus Heimritz.

Streams and runoff

Stream crossing. Photo from 11.8.2022.
Stream crossing. Photo from 11.8.2022.
The streams in the area of the glacier had a lot to very much water from about 10 am. Accordingly, the crossing of the streams had to be approached with caution.
As was already the case on 20.6.2022, the meltwater runoff volumes were threateningly large.

Meteo

Temperature: 16.5° at 10:30 am at 2400m a.s.l. in the area of the glacier. Measured with thermometer set up in the shade.
Zero degree limit: 4000m a.s.l., at least one week >= 4000m a.s.l. before.

Miscellaneous

At the Berggasthaus Heimritz we can recommend, among other things, the delicious homemade chocolate cake.
Published: 06.09.2022
Further observations on this glacier:
Date:20.06.202203.07.202320.07.2024
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