Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier in British Columbia is undergoing significant changes as researchers have observed that the glacier no longer extends to touch the water of Berg Lake. Joseph Shea, a geography professor at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), made this discovery during a field project on the mountain and captured a photo of the glacier’s retreat.
Situated on the north face of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta border, the Berg Glacier used to reach Berg Lake, where ice fragments would break off and fall into the lake. The resulting icebergs floating on the turquoise-colored lake were a popular attraction for visitors exploring the 23-kilometer Berg Lake Trail.
Over the past six years, B.C. Parks has collaborated with UNBC researcher Brian Menounos to monitor changes in the Berg Lake glacier. Menounos’ research has shown a significant loss of glacier surface area in Western Canada and Switzerland from approximately 1985 to 2021 due to glacier melt. Climate change has also caused damage to the Berg Lake Trail, with flooding during a record-breaking heatwave in 2021 leading to the evacuation of hikers from the area.
Despite the glacier’s separation from Berg Lake, Shea believes that the water level of the lake will not be affected. However, there may be fewer icebergs dropping directly into the lake from the Berg Glacier. He emphasizes that while the visual landscape may change, Mount Robson will remain a stunning destination for visitors, underscoring the impact of climate change on the environment.
To address these environmental challenges, B.C. Parks and researchers are implementing real-time weather stations to monitor snowpack, temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation in Mount Robson Provincial Park. This data will help park staff make informed decisions about park operations and provide early warnings of potential hazards for visitors. The real-time weather data is expected to be available by the fall or winter of 2026, contributing to the park’s management strategies amidst changing environmental conditions.