Gannett Glacier, Glacier in Wind River Range, Wyoming.
Gannett Glacier sits on the northern and eastern slopes of Gannett Peak within the Fitzpatrick Wilderness of Shoshone National Forest. The ice mass feeds meltwater into Dinwoody Creek and other waterways that sustain the surrounding Wind River ecosystem throughout the year.
The glacier has shrunk significantly since the early 1900s as climate patterns shifted across the Rocky Mountains. Its retreat mirrors broader environmental changes that transformed the region over many decades.
Research teams regularly monitor this glacier to assess its impact on water resources and environmental changes in the Rocky Mountains region.
Reaching the glacier requires hiking at high elevation through alpine terrain and rocky mountain passes. Weather conditions change quickly at this altitude, so visitors should be prepared for sudden shifts in temperature and visibility.
Measurements from the mid-twentieth century showed the ice surface dropping faster than during other periods. This acceleration revealed how rapidly conditions were shifting in the high mountain environment.
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