On 7.7.2023, we made the following observations on the Rhone glacier, among others:
Rhone glacier largely free of snow on 7.7.2023.
As on
8 July 2022, the Rhone glacier was practically completely free of snow up to high altitudes on 7 July 2023. The ice is no longer protected by a layer of snow and melts correspondingly faster in warm conditions.
Eastern part of the proglacial glacial lake on 7.7.2023.
Western part of the proglacial glacial lake on 7.7.2023.
The glacial lake, which has been formed since 2007, has now reached a considerable size. It is currently about 530m long (direction W-E) and up to 400m wide (direction N-S). Source: Measurement on orthophoto (map.admin.ch).
Rhone glacier: Transition lake - glacier on 7.7.2023.
Legende:
1) Covers, which are on the lake and the glacier.
2) Portal, which was created in the summer/autumn of 2022.
3) Collapse structure, the formation of which became apparent in 2021/22 and which opened around 29.6.2023.
4) The ice grotto is at the bottom left outside the photo.
The photo shows that the
glacier covers have slowed down the melting of the ice. However, the covers could not/do not prevent the melting of the ice.
Parts of the covers on the lake and glacier on 7.7.2023.
View of part of the glacier covers from the seaward side on 7.7.2023.
Parts of the covers are located on ice floes, on the non-accessible area of the lake - glacier transition and on the glacier. The removal of the covers is likely to be an elaborate and delicate undertaking.
New portal on 7.7.2023.
This portal was formed in the summer/autumn of 2022. Sandbanks can be seen in front of the portal. Since there is probably still ice under the sand, these sandbanks will probably disappear after the ice melts.
Collapse structure on 7.7.2023.
Collapse structure whose evolution began in the years 2021/22 and which opened around 29.6.2023. The circular fissures surrounding the collapsed part are typical.
View into the collapse structure on 7.7.2023.
Ice grotto on 7.7.2023.
As in 2022, the ice grotto is 100% in the ice that is not over the lake. The covers have made it possible to operate the ice grotto this year as well.
Rhone glacier snow cover on 10.7.2023.
The photo above shows the Rhone Glacier from a distance on 10.7.2023. The red dots show the outline of the glacier. Above an altitude of about 2900m above sea level, the ice is covered with a protective layer of snow.