Nature Communications, 22 August 2025
The Kennicott and Root Glaciers, two of Alaska’s most accessible large valley glaciers in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, were mostly stable during the first half of the 20th century, but have been rapidly thinning since then, with Kennicott Glacier losing 1.43 meters per year this past decade compared to the 0.44 meters per year it was losing in the late 1950s-1970s. Under very high emissions (SSP5-8.5), Kennicott and Root Glacier could respectively lose 63% and 58% of their ice by 2100. In contrast, under low emissions (SSP1-2.6), these two glaciers would only lose roughly 40% of their ice.
By Science Writing Intern Haily Landrigan, Global Outreach Director Amy Imdieke, and ICCI Director Pam Pearson.
Published Feb. 5, 2026 Updated Feb. 5, 2026 11:54 pm
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