On 20.6.2022 we could make the following observations on the Kanderfirn (Bernese Alps):
Glacier tongue and ice stream of the Kanderfirn. Situation on 20.6.2022.
About one month earlier than usual, the tongue of the Kanderfirn was already out of the ice (= free of snow) on 20.6.2022. In addition to the winter of 2021/22 with little snow, the high temperatures of the last few months are also responsible for this. The glacier end of the Kanderfirn lies at an altitude of just under 2400m above sea level.
Since our last visit to the Kanderfirn on 23.7.2021, the Kanderfirn has continued to lose thickness and length. Decay phenomena (e.g. collapse funnels), as they occur on other glaciers, could not be observed on Kanderfirn so far.
Kanderfirn: Glacier terminus and proglacial lakes. Situation on 20.6.2022.
The two proglacial lakes were larger on 20.6.2022 than on 23.7.2021. This is because the glacier has lost length and the outflow of meltwater was very large on 20.6.2022 (see also section below).
On 20.6.2022, the meltwater on the southern half of the Kanderfirn essentially flowed out of two (still) inconspicuous glacier gates.
The brownish colour of the water shows that many sediments are transported.
Kanderfirn: Small ice wall and glacier snout. Situation on 20.6.2022.
A small ice wall has formed at the northern glacier snout. Behind it, a meltwater channel can be guessed. It is possible that a larger glacier snout will form at this point in the coming weeks and months.
Kanderfirn: Impressive amount of meltwater. Situation on 20.6.2022.
On 20.6.2022, the amount of meltwater flowing from the Kanderfirn was a record high. Reasons:
1) Our visit fell in the heat wave of about 16.6.2022 - 21.6.2022. In the preceding days the zero degree line was always above 4000m a.s.l. For a few days after mid-June this is exceptional.
2) The Kanderfirn extends to an altitude of about 3100m a.s.l. The higher parts of the Kanderfirn are normally covered with snow all year round. This snow turns to firn and later to ice. This ice flows downhill and keeps the glacier alive. If this snow now also melts partially or completely, and this already in June, the perspectives for the Kanderfirn are not good.
Part of the water flowing out of the Kanderfirn is probably due to the melting of the snow described above.
Photo taken on 20.6.2022.
In the area that was covered by glacier ice until a few years ago, we discovered beautiful glacier striae on glacier polish.
In all these years, we have never experienced the surroundings of the Kanderfirn so free of man-made noise.
Possible reasons:
1) Due to the danger of a landslide, the Mutthorn Hut is closed until further notice. The cause of the danger of a landslide is, among other things, dwindling permafrost. In the past few years, the Mutthorn Hut has been a popular destination for helicopter tours.
2) The fact that we visited the Kanderfirn at least a month earlier than in previous years may also have played a role.