Laurium Glacier 2025 - Meltdown Contest

[m8man]

Yup that’s it, it always held snow for long periods, big drifted area on the side on the highway. As kids we would see that sitting there still while we were on the way to golf. Lol

 

[mezz]

Mezz, I recall John describing the origin of the glacier years ago but I've forgotten the story. I know it has something to do with the vast amounts of snowfall in that area. Any thoughts from a local?

The best I can explain its origin is not only due to the amount of snowfall. It is also due to the winds from the West which carry the snow across the open field behind it into the low lying ground where it collects & is packed by the winds that carry it there. This coupled with the various types of snow that we get throughout the winter from wind driven LES to the wet & heavy snows really pack it in. In addition, this area doesn't see a lot of direct sunlight due to its position which also contributes to its longevity.

 

[mezz]

For those who may be curious as to what the current look of the glacier is, I took a photo this afternoon to show its melt progression. Here she is May 9, 2025, as you can see, it has receded quite a bit since last week. Temp today is in the 70's, suppose to be a bit cooler Saturday with highs in the 50's. Sunday, Mothers Day, expecting low 70's with Monday & Tuesday highs expected near 80. We really need rain here in the worst way, and it doesn't look like were in for anything meaningful in the immediate future at this point. Fire danger is increasing by the day with lack of rain as well as low relative humidity. Hard to believe considering all the snow we had, but, right now, it is dry dry & on top of that lake levels are down.

 

[m8man]

Taking a beating but still white

 

[mezz]

She has taken a real hit this past week with some 80 degree days & some recent rains. Here is what it looks like as of this afternoon May 16, 2025.

 

[mezz]

Here is a picture from yesterday May 20th. There was actually 2 people down there throwing snowballs at each other. That is the first time I've seen that happening.

 

[pclark]

Mezz, Any updates on the glacier?

 

[mezz]

Mezz, Any updates on the glacier?

See the post above yours, I took pictures of it Tuesday, was still a fair amount of snow there at the time. In fact, there was a couple of people on it throwing snowballs at each other. That was the first time I've seen that happen. I will be checking it again tomorrow. I'm reasonably certain there is at least a week left if not a tad more. We'll see.

 

[mezz]

She has taken a hit since last Tuesday with the warmer nights & sunny day's, here she is as of today Tuesday May 27th 2025. I give it another 3 days tops. I will try to check this daily until it is gone.

 

[mezz]

I was able to get up there a little passed Noon today May 28th, here is what currently remains. Kind of hard to see due to all of the growth around it, but, it is still hanging in there. Possibly another day, maybe two, we'll see.

 

[jakester23]

Hoping for the 30TH!

 

[mezz]

Hoping for the 30TH!

Well jakester, I just returned from checking on it at 11:30 this morning & I have to report that it is gone. The warmer nights as well as the sunny day's we've had have taken its toll on it.

I have been tracking the participants and their guesses & the winner of this years contest with his posted guess on April 18th of May 29th is snowfish. Congratulations! To claim your prize, please send a PM to m8man with your mailing information & he will ship the 13" Copper U.P. wall sculpture to you. Thank you to all for your participation in the contest.

 

[united]

Oh well. Maybe next year haha. Thanks for running it Mezz