CONCERNING THE NISQUALLY

Culminating a year of long dry spells and insufficient precipitation it was was discovered on October 1st. that the Nisqually Glacier had receeded farther than ever before since recession measurements of this glacier have been taken. Anual recession measurements of this glacier are made on October 1st. This year the snout of the Nisqually was 118 feet removed from its position on the same date in 1929. Complete figures follow:

The reasons for this is quite apparant. After October 1st. 1929, when the measurements of that year were made, followed one of the longest and dryest falls in many years. During last winter the snowfall at Paradise Valley and other points on "The Mountain" was little better than half of what is customary. These factors were further emphasized by an early and dry spring and several periods of protracted dry spells during the past summer.

The above information regarding the Nisqually Glacier was sent out in the form of a news bulletin shortly after the recession was tabulated. It received wide publicity and aroused no little interest. Many requests for complete recessional figures were received. Annual measurements are made each year on October 1st. and have been made since 1918. Previous to that time points have been established by comparison on with photographs and notes of pioneers, climbers and surveyors. When lieut. Kautz made the first attempt to reach the summit of "The Mountain" he stated that the snout of this glacier "occupied a narrow throat in the canyon". This point is 760 feet below the present Glacier Bridge. Mr. F.E. Matthes states that in 1885 the glacier reached to a point where the bridge now spans the stream.

The Nisqualy is the only one of the glacial system on "The Mountain" of which regular measurements have been made. However this year, on September 22nd., initial points were established for annual recession measurements of the Carbon and Emmons Glaciers.

(C.F.B.)