Umbalkees, Alpine glacier in Prägraten, Austria.
Umbalkees is a glacier in the Venediger mountains, extending across several kilometers with elevations ranging from 2400 to 3425 meters. The ice field displays visible crevasses and layered structures that reveal the glacier's age and movement over time.
A German Ju 52 aircraft made an emergency landing at 3200 meters on the ice in 1941, with ten occupants reaching safety. This episode remains one of the most remarkable events recorded on the glacier.
The glacier forms part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, contributing to the water system that feeds the Isel River and extends to the Danube.
The glacier lies within Hohe Tauern National Park and is best reached from the east or through guided alpine tours. The southwestern face offers better observation points, though alpine experience and proper gear are needed.
Between 1989 and 2011, the glacier retreated 543 meters, more than any other glacier in East Tyrol during that period. This dramatic loss makes it a significant indicator of climate change in the region.
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