Ried Glacier, Alpine glacier in Valais, Switzerland.
The Ried Glacier extends across mountainous terrain in the Valais canton at approximately 2,800 meters altitude, forming part of the Pennine Alps glacial system.
During the 20th century, the Ried Glacier experienced significant retreat, with documented reduction of approximately 30 percent of its surface area since 1980.
Traditional Valais irrigation channels called bisses, some dating back four centuries, traverse the region providing historical water management systems for local communities.
Access to the glacier region requires taking a postal bus from St. Niklaus station, followed by hiking trails starting from Grächen village with proper mountain equipment.
The glacier's former terminus, marked by a sign reading 'Gletschertor', now features a larch forest growing where ice existed just twenty years ago.
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