GLACIER REPHOTO DATABASE: MOUNT HOOD

White River Glacier

In 2012, supported by funding from a Mazamas research grant, PSU geologist Hassan Basagic visited numerous mountains in the Pacific Northwest in order to duplicate glacier photographs originally recorded early in the 20th century. He is now compiling those images for his Glacier Repeat Photography Database, a website which “seeks to summarize the existing glacier repeat photographic record throughout the American West.”

Mr. Basagic’s first set of images are taken from the glaciers of Mount Hood.

Walking in the footsteps of renowned American geophysicist H.F. Reid and W.A. Langille, Basagic repositioned his camera precisely in the “photographic stations” used by these scientists over 110 years ago. The result is a juxtaposition of images representing a century of glacier retreat with unique clarity and precision.

“Read more” below for a collection of Mr. Basagic’s images and commentary. Click images to enlarge. All photos courtesy Hassan Basagic.

Coe Glacier. This image pair was taken from atop of Barrett Spur, above Dollar Lake on the north side of Mount Hood. The view from here is dramatic with the Coe and Ladd Glaciers splitting. The upper portion of the Sunshine Route can be seen. This comparison illustrates changes on the upper portion of the mountain (as opposed to the glacier terminus). The loss of glacier volume can be seen throughout the images, but the volume loss increases with decreasing elevation.

Eliot Glacier. This image pair is taken along the moraine trail above Cloud Cap. The location is easy to get to but difficult to align because of the eroding moraine in the foreground. The loss of ice is apparent in the 2012 photograph, though much of the foreground still contains ice under thick rock debris.

White River Glacier. These images were taken not far from the Timberline Lodge. Close inspection reveals the addition of a chairlift. The White River Glacier has lost the most area on Mount Hood, decreasing by 60% since the original photo was taken. Coalman Glacier can also be observed in the photo pairs.

Newton Clark Glacier. Located on the east side of Mount Hood. In 1901 the glacier terminated at a dramatic cliff. In 2012 the ice has nearly vacated the photo frame.

You can follow Hassan Basagic’s work at the Glacier Repeat Photography Database by following this link. The database is a collaboration with the Glaciers of the American West Project.