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Glacier-derived August runoff in northwest Montana

Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1657/AAAR0014-033

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Abstract

The second largest concentration of glaciers in the U.S. Rocky Mountains is located in Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana. The total glacier-covered area in this region decreased by ∼35% over the past 50 years, which has raised substantial concern about the loss of the water derived from glaciers during the summer. We used an innovative weather station design to collect in situ measurements on five remote glaciers, which are used to parameterize a regional glacier melt model. This model offered a first-order estimate of the summer meltwater production by glaciers. We find, during the normally dry month of August, glaciers in the region produce approximately 25 × 106 m3 of potential runoff. We then estimated the glacier runoff component in five gaged streams sourced from GNP basins containing glaciers. Glacier-melt contributions range from 5% in a basin only 0.12% glacierized to >90% in a basin 28.5% glacierized. Glacier loss would likely lead to lower discharges and warmer temperatures in streams draining basins >20% glacier-covered. Lower flows could even be expected in streams draining basins as little as 1.4% glacierized if glaciers were to disappear.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Glacier-derived August runoff in northwest Montana
Series title Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
DOI 10.1657/AAAR0014-033
Volume 47
Issue 1
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research
Publisher location Boulder, CO
Contributing office(s) Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
First page 1
Last page 16
Country United States
State Montana
Other Geospatial Glacier National Park
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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