On 27.05.2022 we climbed up to the eastern moraine of Gamchi glacier (Gamchigletscher). From there we could make the following observations:
Avalanches from Morgenhorn from the lower part of the eastern moraine. Situation on 27.5.2022.
As in the winter of 2020/21, larger (ice) avalanches thundered down from the Morgenhorn north face (3 and 4) in the winter of 2021/22. The avalanche cones at 1 and 2 bear witness to this. Avalanche 1 of the 2021/22 edition is significantly smaller than that of the previous year. In spring 2021, the avalanche cone extended up to 5 and far beyond the right edge of the image.
At 2 and 5, the snow from the avalanches of winter 2020/21 failed to melt completely by the start of winter. Our pickup point 20 is located to the right of 2 and was accessible in 2018 - 2020. As a result of the large avalanches in the winter of 2020/21, recording point 20 was still covered by snow and ice in the fall of 2021.
Prior to 2018, recording point 20 was covered by ice.
Outlined with yellow dots are the remnants (30) of the large avalanche that did not melt in summer/fall 2021. Situation on 27.5.2022.
Surroundings of the former glacial lake. Situation on 27.5.2022.
Not much is left of the former glacial lake (10). Likewise of the ice bar (11), which dammed the lake.
The cone of the avalanche from the winter of 2021/22 can be seen in the upper left.
Transition upper to lower part of Gamchigletscher. Situation on 27.5.2022.
As feared, the upper part (right of 20) of Gamchigletscher seems to have lost contact with the lower part of the glacier in autumn 2021.
Detailed view of the transition from the upper to the lower part of Gamchigletscher. Situation on 27.5.2022.
Outlined with yellow dots: Glacial ice of the upper part of Gamchigletscher.
Outlined with red dots: Rock
As soon as the snow has melted, it becomes visible whether the contact has really been lost.
On 27.5.2022, the bridge over the gorge was followed by helicopter and installed. Likewise the other bridges in the area of the former glacier crossing. The mountain path was still closed on 27.5.2022, approx. 12 o'clock.