Researcher Analyzed Shakes Glacier Recession

A University of Oregon study found Shakes Glacier in Alaska retreated 10,000 feet between 1999 and 2023.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Geography

Jagged ice face of a large Alaskan glacier meeting dark, still lake water beneath a moody, overcast sky. — A University of Oregon study reports that Alaska's Shakes Glacier retreated 10,000 feet between 1999 and 2023 due to lake topography and water temperatures. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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University of Oregon researcher Benson presented findings on September 9, 2026, comparing the behavior of Alaska's Shakes and Mendenhall Glaciers. The study analyzed lake topography and water temperature to understand why lake-terminating glaciers lose mass faster than marine glaciers.

Why it matters

Understanding the rapid mass loss of lake-terminating glaciers provides critical insight into the changing landscape of Southeast Alaska. This research helps explain the mechanisms behind accelerating glacial retreat in the region.

Shakes Glacier has receded at an average rate of 420 to 470 feet annually. The adjacent Shakes Lake spans six miles, reaches depths of 800 feet, and holds a volume of 1.2 cubic kilometers.

The players

Benson

Benson is a researcher from the University of Oregon who led the study on glacial behavior in Southeast Alaska.

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon is a public research university that facilitates scientific studies on environmental and geological changes.

The details

Researchers mapped the glacier using drone imagery, which revealed caves forming at the base of the ice face. Sonar data was also utilized to map lake topography and determine water depth, highlighting how these environmental conditions contribute to accelerated melting.

Shakes Glacier receded 10,000 feet between 1999 and 2023.
A monitoring program for Shakes Glacier began in 2011.
Benson presented the research findings on September 9, 2026.
Juneau experienced significant flooding in August 2026.

The Big Picture

By comparing Shakes Glacier to the Mendenhall Glacier research program, scientists are better able to categorize how lake-terminating glaciers respond to changing temperatures. This work provides a necessary comparative framework to understand regional ice loss patterns across the Stikine Icefield.

The accelerating retreat of glaciers directly affects local water levels and the physical stability of land near the Stikine River. Understanding these patterns helps planners manage risks associated with glacial melt and potential flooding in Southeast Alaska.

The takeaway

The study underscores that lake-terminating glaciers are significantly more vulnerable to mass loss than marine-terminating counterparts. Residents in glacier-adjacent areas should monitor official reports regarding water levels and landscape changes as these systems evolve.