Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Mount Rainier and others shrink due to ice loss
Five big mountains in the United States, including Mount Rainier, are getting smaller because their ice is melting.
This has been happening since around 1980, and the tops of these mountains are now shorter by about 20 feet or more.
The main reason is climate change, which has made the air warmer and caused more rain instead of snow.
These mountains have big glaciers that are important for giving water to rivers, people, fish, and even power plants.
Scientists had to climb these mountains with special tools to measure how much ice has melted.
Even though the official height of Mount Rainier is still listed as 14,410 feet, the melting ice means it's actually shorter now.
Five U.S. mountains, including Mount Rainier, have lost significant ice and height since 1980.
Mount Rainier's summit has lost nearly 21 feet of ice, reducing its official height.
Climate change has increased temperatures by 5.5°F and changed precipitation patterns.
Glaciers on these mountains are crucial for water supply, ecosystems, and hydropower.
Researchers used GPS and laser-mapping to measure the ice loss, but no official height change has been made yet.
- Who
- Researchers from Seattle University and Utah State University
- What
- Five U.S. mountains, including Mount Rainier, have lost significant ice and height
- When
- Since around 1980, with accelerating loss in recent years
- Where
- Contiguous United States (Mount Rainier, Columbia Crest, and three others)
- Why
- Climate change has increased temperatures and changed precipitation patterns
- Mountains Affected
- Mount Rainier, Columbia Crest, and three others
- Ice Loss
- 20 feet (6 meters) or more since 1980
- Temperature Increase
- 5.5°F since the 1950s
- Study Journal
- Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research
- Data Collection Method
- High-precision GPS and laser-mapping
- Current Summit Elevation
- 14,410 feet (official, but likely lower)
- Glacier Role
- Provide water for rivers, drinking, salmon habitats, and hydropower