# Glaciers Shrink in American West

> 300 glaciers vanished from American West since mid-20th century, survivors shrinking faster.
- Title: Glaciers Shrink in American West · The Conversation | Shortify
- Summary: 300 glaciers vanished from American West since mid-20th century, survivors shrinking faster. 300 glaciers disappeared from American West since mid-20th…
- Keywords: glaciers, rocky mountains, sierra nevada, mount rainier, washington, montana, wyoming, glacial retreat, water supply, debris flow, science, ideas
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/300-glaciers-have-disappeared-from-the-american-west-since-the-mid-20th-century-the-survivors-have-a-few-things-in-common-294084
- Author: Andrew Fountain
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: glaciers, rocky mountains, sierra nevada, mount rainier, washington, montana, wyoming, glacial retreat, water supply, debris flow, science, ideas
## Glaciers in American West
Scientists measured Sperry Glacier in Montana's Glacier National Park.
## Glacier Count Decline
Over 1,450 glaciers existed in the contiguous U.S. in the mid-20th century.
## Glacier Area Shrinkage
Glaciers now cover 35% less area than mid-20th century levels.
## Surviving Glaciers
300 glaciers have disappeared from the American West since mid-20th century.
## Glacier Vulnerability
Surviving glaciers are small and in topographically protected areas.
## Fastest-Thinning Glaciers
Beartooth-Absaroka Mountains lose 1.5 feet of ice thickness yearly.
## Glacier Survival in Washington
Mount Rainier glaciers shrink slower than Rockies due to cooler summers.
## Water and Ecosystem Impact
Glaciers provide water for ecosystems during dry late summer months.
## Key takeaway

300 glaciers disappeared from American West since mid-20th century, survivors shrinking faster due to warming.