Published • loading... • Updated
St. Mary’s Glacier, a Colorado Landmark, Has Melted Amid a Record-Hot Summer
Scientists say the perennial snowfield is a remnant of Colorado’s glaciers, and warmer summers are making it harder to rebuild each winter.
- The perennial snowfield known as St. Mary's Glacier in Clear Creek County, Colorado, melted completely for the first time in recorded history on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.
- Since miners founded Alice in the late 1800s, the site has persisted as a landmark of Colorado's tourism economy, surviving summers by relying on winter snow replenishment.
- Idaho Springs resident Jeremy Elder and Golden resident Jordan Lipp, who has skied the area for 30 years, confirmed the disappearance after witnessing only tiny snow patches during recent visits.
- Record-Hot summer conditions and historically low snowpack are the primary drivers, according to Colorado State University professor Dan McGrath, who notes the region faces a long-term warming trend.
- Global glaciers have shrunk annually for 39 years according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, while experts warn Colorado's named glaciers could vanish by 2080.
Insights by Ground AI
12 Articles
12 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
L 36%
C 64%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
