Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier in British Columbia is undergoing significant changes, with researchers confirming that the glacier no longer reaches Berg Lake. Joseph Shea, a geography professor at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), made this observation during a field project and captured the moment in a photograph. The iconic Berg Glacier, situated on the north face of Mount Robson, no longer extends to the lake, a stark indication of glacier retreat in the region.
Berg Lake, named after the icebergs that used to calve from the glacier and float on its turquoise waters, is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The Berg Lake Trail, spanning 23 kilometers, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and attracts numerous visitors each year. Despite the glacier no longer directly feeding icebergs into the lake, Shea believes that the separation will not impact the lake’s water levels significantly.
UNBC researcher Brian Menounos has been studying glacier melt, revealing that a substantial portion of glacier surface area in Western Canada and Switzerland has vanished over the past few decades. The Berg Glacier and surrounding areas, including the Berg Lake Trail, have been affected by climate change, with severe damage occurring during a record-breaking heatwave in 2021.
Following the trail’s closure and subsequent repairs, it fully reopened in June 2025. Shea emphasized the importance of monitoring weather conditions in the area to mitigate potential risks for hikers and park visitors. Real-time weather stations are being set up to provide crucial data for park management, wildfire forecasting, and avalanche prediction.
B.C. Parks aims to utilize the weather information from these stations to enhance park operations and ensure visitor safety. The evolving landscape of Mount Robson serves as a poignant visual reminder of the ongoing impacts of climate change on glaciers and natural environments.
(Source: CBC News)