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Forest Service warns of imminent collapse of ice cave
JUNEAU, Alaska–A recent aerial observation of the popular Mendenhall Glacier ice cave reveals significant deterioration of the cave entrance. US Forest
Service officials warn people to stay away from the cave due to potential for collapse.
The entrance to the ice cave appears to be thinning dramatically and will soon collapse. New holes in the ice are opening and widening. The danger involved
in entering this cave has likely increased considerably. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Director John Neary flew over the ice cave on Wednesday en route to view the condition of Suicide Basin. Heavy rainfall
and typical summer melting are the possible source of the deterioration of the ice cave. Ice caves are temporary natural phenomena with limited longevity.
“Although ice caves are inherently dangerous because they occur under a melting glacier, this one seems particularly ready to collapse,” said Neary after
his inspection flight. A commercial tour company agrees. Above and Beyond Alaska is one of two companies with Forest Service commercial guiding permits for the west side of
Mendenhall Glacier. In a written statement, Above and Beyond Alaska co-owner Becky Janes said, “[our] guides evaluate the condition of the cave on every one of their trips and on July 3, 2014 as a company they decided that the large cave along the glacier’s
margin was unsafe to enter with clients.” A collapse of the ice cave entrance could be fatal or cause serious injuries if falling ice or rock debris drop onto people or pets. A significant number
of emergency rescues occur each summer on the glacier and nearby rock peninsula from trips and falls. There is no maintained trail to the ice cave. On the Forest Service website at
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=stelprdb5401454, officials caution hikers and kayakers to be prepared for rugged conditions if they try to access the ice cave and glacier. The Forest Service advises:
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wearing sturdy hiking boots and good outdoor clothing and quality raingear,
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having a communication plan so a friend knows where you are traveling and your anticipated time of return,
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carrying dry clothing, food and water for survival in case of an unplanned overnight stay. Additionally, officials ask people to stay at least 250 yards away from nesting birds. For more information, contact John Neary, visitor center director, at 907-789-6637 or
jneary@xxxxxxxxx; Laurie Lamm, assistant director, 907-789-6630 or
Llamm@xxxxxxxxx; or Laurie Craig, lead naturalist, at 907-789-6635 or
lcraig@xxxxxxxxx.
July 16, 2014 photo shows new holes opening in the ice cave entry. The Mendenhall Glacier cave is located at the west flank, below the West Glacier Trail.
(Photographer John Neary USFS). For a high resolution photo, contact
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