Glacier variability (1967--2006) in the Teton Range, Wyoming, U.S.A

Glacial area and volume changes were quantified through the use of historical aerial photographs in Wyoming's Teton Range. Glacial area changes in the Teton Range were estimated for three glaciers using un-rectified aerial photography from 1967 to 2006. The total surface area of the three glaciers was 0.53 km2 in 1967 and 0.40 km2 in 2006, a decrease of 25% over the 39 year period. The smallest glacier, Teepe, experienced the most noticeable area loss of approximately 60% while the Teton Glacier, the largest, lost approximately 17%.;Aerial photography from 1967 to 2002 was used to estimate glacier volume loss using stereoscopy techniques. Volume loss for the three glaciers was estimated to be 3.2 million cubic meters (MCM) over the 35 year period. An empirical relationship (power formula) was developed, relating volume loss to area loss for the Teton Range glaciers. The results of the volume change were compared to estimates using Bahr's et al. (1997) area to volume conversion equation.;Temperature (1905-2006) and April 1st Snow water equivalent SWE (1981-2006) data were analyzed in an attempt to determine a driving factor for glacial area and volume loss. Neither temperature nor April 1st SWE data correlated to rates of area or volume losses. Stream flow data (1905-2006) was examined to determine the contribution of the glaciers in the Teton Range to the flow in the Snake River. The contribution of ice melt from the three glaciers to flow in the Snake River was found to be less than one third of a percent. The results from the Teton Range were compared to those of the Wind River Range (WRR) in an effort to better explain the future impact of glacier variability.