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300 Western Glaciers Disappeared Since 1960s, Study Finds

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 11:59 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. researchers report about 300 western glaciers have functionally disappeared since the 1960s.
Melted ice contributed three quadrillion gallons of water, raising sea level roughly one inch in four decades.
Scientists predict western glaciers could vanish by mid-century, leaving only remnants on peaks such as Mount Hood and Mount Rainier.
Glacier loss threatens alpine ecosystems, drinking water supplies, agriculture and hydroelectric power in the western United States.

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Story summary

U.S. researchers report about 300 western glaciers have functionally disappeared since the 1960s.
Melted ice contributed three quadrillion gallons of water, raising sea level roughly one inch in four decades.
Scientists predict western glaciers could vanish by mid-century, leaving only remnants on peaks such as Mount Hood and Mount Rainier.
Glacier loss threatens alpine ecosystems, drinking water supplies, agriculture and hydroelectric power in the western United States.