Newton Clark Glacier: 1988 & 2008 Compared

[Splintercat]

It looks like 1988 is the oldest/best image I have from Lookout Mountain, so here's a comparison of what I think is the exact same patch of Mount Hood in August 1988 and September 2008:





The most notable differences are the retreat of the "Clark" arm of the glacier that feeds the Clark Creek fork (on the left) and the main icefall on the Newton Creek fork moving back from the brink of the cliffs that form the headwaters. There are lots of other differences, if you look closely.

I'll put more of these together if I can find some suitable pairs of images -- a tougher task than I thought! I thought I had a gazillion photos from every angle going back decades, but my 80s stuff is surprisingly spotty.

-Tom

[BrianEdwards]

I'm diggin' these before and after shots, Tom. Even though I have nothing to contribute This one in particular requires a close eye to see some of the differences.

(Btw, great idea on the new Forum)

[Jesse]

Neat comparison, but be careful with time of year.

For instance early August will have a lot more snowcover on Mount Hood than late September.

Hopefully the glaciers get another breather this year. With all of the late season snow and a cool Summer possible due to the residual affects of the La Nina, there could even be a positive mass balance when all is said and done.

Now that we've entered the 30 year -PDO phase again it is likely we will see more years that are kind to the glaciers. That's good news for me because I am a glacier fanatic! B) Don't want to see them gone anytime soon.

[Splintercat]

That's true about summer differences, Jesse -- but take a lot at the 7.5 minute topos and you'll see permanent snowfields mapped pretty much where the snow shows up in the 1988 photo, but is gone in the 2008 photo. But even more eye-opening is the erosion in Newton canyon -- look just above, and to the left and right of Lamberson Butte. Most of that stuff is now located somewhere downstream... or on Highway 35..!

Tom

[mayhem]

I really enjoy your sharing of pics

[Splintercat]

Glad to hear it, Mayhem! They're fun to sort through after all these years, too.

Tom

[ponyboy84]

The erosion is what really shocks me. 20 years and the lower reaches have really seen it.