On 3.07.2023 we were able to make the following observations on the Kanderfirn and in the Gasteretal (Bernese Alps):
Kanderfirn at a glance. Situation on 3.7.2023.
The tongue has again become flatter and a bit shorter.
View over the Kanderfirn towards the Mutthorn. Situation on 3.7.2023.
The small valley on the south side of the glacier becomes more pronounced every year.
View of the glacier tongue of the Kanderfirn and the proglacial lakes. Situation on 3.7.2023.
On
11.8.2022 the ice still reached the yellow dot.
Flattened tongue of the Kanderfirn and proglacial lakes. Situation on 3.7.2023.
On 3 July 2023, after several years, we were once again able to observe a strong diurnal variation in meltwater.
Kanderfirn: No melt water until 11 am. Photo from 3.7.2023.
Until around 11 a.m., no melt water flowed at all from the Kanderfirn. At 11 a.m. meltwater flowed at 1), later at 2) and finally at 3). To the right of 1) is the Kanderfirn. To the left of 3) the meltwater flows off in the direction of the Gasteretal.
Kanderfirn: Outflow of meltwater at 1 pm. Photo from 3.7.2023.
The northern outflow (= waterfall at the foot of the Fründehorn) was already carrying a lot of melt water in the morning.
Kanderfirn: Former meltwater channel. Photo from 3.7.2023.
Until a few years ago, the meltwater that left the Kanderfirn on the southern side flowed through this channel.
Kanderfirn: Impressive roche moutonnée. Photo from 3.7.2023.
The melting ice has released an impressive and specially shaped round hump in recent decades.
Temperature: 14° at 10:30 a.m. at 2400m a.s.l. in the area of the glacier.
Source: thermometer set up in the shade.
Zero degree limit: 3600m asl
.
The previous seven days, the zero degree line was between 3200 and 4200m a.s.l., averaging 3800m a.s.l.