Overview of Tiefengletscher on 15.7.2022.
Legend:
1) Remaining part of the Tiefengletscher.
2) Dead ice mass.
3) Proglacial lake.
Tiefengletscher and Galenstock on 15.7.2022.
The formerly prominent summit wall of the Galenstock has lost its width and thickness in recent decades.
Northern part of Tiefengletscher on 15.7.2022.
Southern part of Tiefengletscher on 15.7.2022.
At 1), boulders and debris came loose and slid on 15.7.2022.
Dead ice mass from the northeast on 15.7.2022.
The dead ice mass shows striking signs of decay.
Dead ice mass from the east on 15.7.2022.
Pieces of ice have come loose from the ceiling of the tunnel in the dead ice mass. Some of these ice floes were carried away by the flow of the glacial stream. A few of these ice floes can be seen in the foreground.
Dead ice mass of ESE on 15.7.2022.
Dead ice mass from the southeast on 15.7.2022.
Behind the dead ice mass you can see the glacier stream, which has a lot of water.
Aerial view of the dead ice mass from the south on 15.7.2022.
The glacier stream (= main outflow from the Tiefengletscher) flows into the dead ice mass at the top right and out of the dead ice mass again at 1). In between, the water (and the warm air 'dragged' by the water) has probably created several tunnels and possibly grottos.
Legend:
1) 1-2 days before 15.7.2022, the glacier gate collapsed. Larger cavities have already formed on the sides.
2) Already before, the ceiling of the connecting tunnel collapsed.
3)/4) Around 3) a collapse structure has already formed several years ago. Due to the insufficient ice thickness, the ice cover probably gradually lowered until parts of the ice were in contact with the ground again. Only at 3) and 4) have relatively small holes opened up.
Dead ice mass from above on 15.7.2022.
In this photo, among other things, the (almost) circular crevasses can be seen, which often indicate the formation of a collapse structure.
Collapsed portal on 15.7.2022.
The cavity to the left of the collapsed portal is clearly visible. Pieces of ice have also come loose from the ceiling of this cavity.
Hole in the dead ice cone from above on 15.7.2022.
The view into hole 3 from above shows that the surrounding ice is no longer thick at this point.
Proglacial lake in front of Tiefengletscher on 15.7.2022.
Small ice floes on the lake in front of Tiefengletscher on 15.7.2022.
The origin of the ice floes is described above.
Meltwater on 15.7.2022.
On 15.7.2022, we were also able to observe impressive outflows on the Tiefengletscher. Only a few years ago, this glacial stream was still 100% covered by glacial ice.
Meltwater on 15.7.2022.
The glacial stream above the dead ice mass.
Meltwater on 15.7.2022.
The glacial stream below the proglacial lake.