On 18.7.2024 we made the following observation on the Gamchi Glacier:
General situation
Unfortunately, not much is left of the once proud Gamchi Glacier. The development is going in the direction described in
Gamchi glacier: What next?.
Accordingly, the following chapters also deal with topics from the field of geomorphology (land deformation, including erosion).
Glacier
Southern part of the Gamchi Glacier. Status 18.7.2024
On the right are the ice and avalanche cones at the foot of the east face of the Morgenhorn (3620m a.s.l.), at the top left is the Gamchilücke (2836m a.s.l.).
Middle part of the Gamchi Glacier. Status 18.7.2024
In the middle section, the mighty ice and avalanche cones at the foot of the Morgenhorn east face dominate the picture. After the snowy winter of 2023/24, we had expected the cones to be larger than in 2023. But that was not the case. The reasons: The heat waves of the summer of 2023 probably caused the ice/snow cones to lose mass massively. The fact that we were on the Gamchi glacier a month earlier in 2023 than this year (=2024) also had an influence.
Northern part of the Gamchi glacier. Status 18.7.2024
In the northern part, the glacier has retreated to an altitude of approx. 2350m above sea level. There are only the remains of avalanches and a little dead ice on the plain.
Morgenhorn hanging glacier. Status 18.7.2024
No chunks of ice fell from the hanging glacier on the Morgenhorn on 18.7.2024 despite the high temperatures. Compared to June 2023, the hanging glacier has lost thickness.
Blüemlisalpsattel glacier collapse. Status 18.7.2024
From the direction of the Blüemlisalpsattel (3118m above sea level), no ice break-offs were observed on 18.7.2024.
Avalanche cone
Avalanche cone in the western part. Status 18.7.2024
As is the case practically every winter, a few large avalanches reached the western part of the plain in the winter of 2023/2024.
One of these avalanches must have carried a lot of debris, as can be seen from the different color of the apron in front of the flat avalanche cone. The next time we visit the Gamchi Glacier, we will take a closer look.
Erosion trenches at the former glacial lake
The formation of these erosion trenches is described
here.
Erosion trench in the area of the former ice bar. Status 18.7.2024
In the meantime, all the ice on the ridge has probably melted and made way for a considerable erosion trench. There is still some snow on the flank below the striking boulder in the foreground. The boulder will probably slide down soon.
View of the erosion trench in the former glacial lake from the southwest. As of 18.7.2024
This erosion ditch flows into the erosion ditch shown above on the left. Little clear water flowed in the bottom of this erosion ditch.
View of the erosion trench in the former glacial lake from the south. As of 18.7.2024
View of the erosion trench in the former glacial lake from the east. As of 18.7.2024
Erosion in and on glacial streams
Glacier stream with two branches at different levels. Status 18.7.2024
The two arms of the glacial stream still exist. The difference to June 2023 is that there is currently significantly more water flowing in the right arm than in the left arm.
Slipped moraine material. Status 18.7.2024
The slipped moraine material is flattened. Some of the material was probably washed out.
The glacial stream continues its work. Status 18.7.2024
At this point, the water has transported further moraine material away. A wall has formed from which pieces keep breaking off.
The glacial stream continues its work. Detail. Status 18.7.2024
The moraine material is possibly still stabilized by ice in the core.
Boulder location 15
Boulder from location 15 as at 18.7.2024
The panoramic photos, which serve as the basis for the before/after photo comparison of
location 15, were taken from the large boulder. What was feared has now happened: The boulder was undermined and therefore tilted slightly to one side.
We assume that sooner or later the stream will find its way to the newly created erosion trench. The boulder will then presumably no longer be suitable for recording, depending on its inclination.
Greened northern glacier forefield
Greened northern glacier forefield. Status 18.7.2024
In the northern part of the glacier forefield, various plants were able to establish themselves despite the barren environment. In addition to various flowers, there are also different species of willow. Insects and spiders have followed the plants.
Meteo
Weather: Very nice and warm weather. A few spring clouds in the afternoon.
Temperature: 19° on the eastern moraine at 10:30 a.m.
.
Zero degree limit: 4400m above sea level, in the previous week between 3600 and 4200m above sea level, on average at 3950m above sea level.
Published:
22.07.2024