Shepard Glacier

Shepard Glacier
Shepard Glacier as photographed in 2005
Shepard Glacier Location in Montana
Type	Glacieret
Location	Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, U.S.
Coordinates	48°51′56″N 113°51′32″W / 48.86556°N 113.85889°WCoordinates: 48°51′56″N 113°51′32″W / 48.86556°N 113.85889°W[1]
Area	Less than 25 acres (0.10 km^2) in 2009
Terminus	Talus
Status	Retreating

Shepard Glacier is a glacier remnant (glacieret) In Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. The glacieret is immediately southeast of Cathedral Peak.^[2] Shepard Glacier was one of a number of glaciers that have been documented by the United States Geological Service (USGS) to have retreated significantly in Glacier National Park.^[3] Shepard Glacier was measured in 2009 to have decreased to less than 25 acres (0.10 km²), considered to be a minimal size to qualify as being considered an active glacier.^[4] Between 1966 and 2005, Shepard Glacier lost 56 percent of its surface area.^[5]

Comparing the 2005 image at right to the one below taken in 1913, it is apparent that Shepard glacier has retreated significantly between these dates.

Shepard Glacier as photographed in 1913

See also

• List of glaciers in the United States
• Glaciers in Glacier National Park (U.S.)

References

1. "Shepard Glacier". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-09-22.
2. Ahern Pass, MT (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved 2012-09-22.
3. "Shepard Glacier from Pyramid Peak, Glacier National Park". Repeat Photography Project. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2012-09-22.
4. Brown, Matthew (April 7, 2010). "Glacier National Park loses two more glaciers". USA Today. Retrieved 2012-09-22.
5. "Retreat of Glaciers in Glacier National Park" (pdf). United States Geological Survey. 2010. Retrieved 2012-09-22.