Mount Robson’s Berg Glacier in British Columbia is undergoing a significant transformation as researchers have discovered that it has receded to the extent that it no longer reaches Berg Lake’s water. Joseph Shea, a geography associate professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, made this observation during a mountain field project this summer and captured a photo of the glacier’s separation from the lake.
Situated on the north face of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta border, the Berg Glacier has historically extended to Berg Lake, with ice fragments breaking off and falling into the lake. The resulting icebergs floating on the turquoise-colored lake have given it the name “Berg Lake.”
The Berg Lake area, including the popular 23-kilometer Berg Lake Trail, attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts, with camping reservations typically selling out for the entire summer within hours of opening in the spring. Despite the glacier no longer directly depositing icebergs into the lake, the overall visitor experience at Mount Robson is expected to remain stunning, according to Shea.
Research conducted by UNBC’s Brian Menounos has revealed alarming glacier melt rates. Between 1985 and 2021, approximately 22% of glacier surface area in Western Canada and Switzerland has been lost. Climate change-induced glacier melt has also caused significant damage along parts of the Berg Lake Trail, leading to evacuation of hikers during a record-breaking heatwave in 2021.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of climate change on the region. Real-time weather stations are being set up by Shea and B.C. Parks to monitor snowpack, temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation. This data will inform park management decisions, wildfire forecasting, avalanche forecasting, and other critical functions. The availability of real-time data is anticipated in late 2026, aiding Mount Robson Provincial Park staff in proactively managing park operations and ensuring visitor safety.