Hotlum Glacier, Glacier in Siskiyou County, California.
Hotlum Glacier is an ice field on Mount Shasta's northeast side with three distinct lobes that descend down the mountain. The ice mass extends from lower elevations up to around 13,600 feet where it connects to the peak.
Mountaineers Allen Steck and Bob Tripp made the first documented ascent in 1963. This climb marked the beginning of the glacier's documented exploration by climbers.
The name comes from the Wintun language spoken by Native Americans in this region and means steep. Today visitors see a massive ice field that shapes how the mountain appears from different angles.
Visitors need climbing equipment such as crampons and ice axes along with mountaineering experience to attempt the glacier. Access involves trails with significant elevation gain and requires solid physical conditioning.
Scientific surveys revealed that this glacier nearly doubled in size between 1951 and 2002, a time when most glaciers worldwide were shrinking. This unusual growth pattern makes it noteworthy for understanding regional climate variations.
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