Colorado's glaciers thinned dramatically in 2026, scientists warn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 22:08 · Archive

Colorado's glaciers lost record amounts of ice in 2026 after record heat and low snowfall.

Colorado's glaciers experienced unprecedented ice loss in 2026 following extreme climate conditions. The Andrews Glacier thinned by more than 12 feet, the Arapaho Glacier lost almost 10 feet, and the Isabelle Glacier shrank by around 6.5 feet. These losses represent double the rate of thinning recorded in the preceding five years. St. Mary's Glacier, a snowfield long popular with hikers and skiers, melted away entirely by September for the first time in at least a century.

The dramatic retreat was driven by unprecedented warm weather and historically low snowfall. Colorado experienced its lowest recorded snowpack followed by record-breaking summer temperatures. The Colorado Climate Center reported that Colorado was on average 6.1 degrees hotter over the past 12 months in 2026 than during the entire 20th century.

Colorado State University glaciologist Dan McGrath, who specializes in glacier dynamics, said the decline mirrors global trends of ice loss. 'What we're witnessing is the loss of that part of Colorado's identity. And it's not just Colorado,' he said, noting similar patterns in the Alps and other mountain ranges worldwide. McGrath told the Colorado Sun that the glaciers are 'on a one-way street toward disappearing', though he suggested St. Mary's Glacier may temporarily reappear after heavy snow winters.

How it is being reported

• Colorado's iconic glaciers are fast vanishing with new photo showing how one has almost disappeared in just two yearsSome of the most iconic Colorado glaciers are rapidly vanishing as new photos reveal one glacier almost disappeared in just two-years time.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 17:09
• Colorado's glaciers thinned dramatically in 2026 and could soon disappear entirely, scientists warnOne glacier thinned by over 12 feet (3.7 meters) in just one yearIndependent World · 27 Oct, 15:13

In this story: Colorado · Rocky Mountains · Andrews Glacier · Arapaho Glacier · Isabelle Glacier · St. Mary's Glacier · Dan McGrath · Colorado State University

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