On 18 August 2023, we made the following observations at Steigletscher/Steingletscher, among others:
Stei glacier/Stein glacier on 18 August 2023.
At the yellow point is the glacier tongue covered with a lot of debris and the glacier gate.
The tongue of the Stei glacier has changed a lot in the 5 years or so since our last visit. The effects of global warming and the rockfalls of 2019 and 2020 have taken their toll on the glacier tongue.
Area of the glacier tongue of Stei glacier on 18 August 2023.
Legend
Yellow dots: Approximate outline of the end of the glacier.
1) Glacier gate
2) Deposits of the rockfalls between the glacier gate and the escarpment.
3) Deposits of the rockfalls below the escarpment.
4) Demolition area of the rockfalls.
Area of the glacier snout of Stein glacier on 18 August 2023.
Legend
Yellow dots: Glacier terminus.
1) Below the ice wall is the glacier snout and in front of it a small lake.
2) Impressive deposits from the rockfalls of 2019 and 2020.
Glacier snout of the Steigletscher on 18 August 2023.
The glacier gate and the small lake from the side. The meltwater flows partly under the deposits of the rockfalls.
Glacier snout of the Steigletscher on 18 August 2023.
Bird's eye view of the glacier snout and the small lake.
Rockfall path from the break-off to the glacier snout. Photo from 18 August 2023.
In the rock face at 1) is the demolition site.
Demolition site of the rockfalls. Photo taken on 18 August 2023.
In the rock face at 1) is the demolition site.
Rockfall path across Steigletscher towards the glacier gate and escarpment. Photo taken on 18 August 2023.
In the left part of the image, fine radial crevasses can be seen in the ice. Possibly the precursors of a collapse structure.
Deposition of the rockfalls between the glacier gate and the escarpment. Photo taken on 18 August 2023.
Impressive deposit of rockfalls in front of the escarpment. Photo taken on 18 August 2023.
A person can be seen in the foreground as a size comparison.
Deposits of the rockfalls below the escarpment. Photo taken on 18 August 2023.