Russell Glacier (Oregon)

Russell Glacier is a small glacier located in the Cascade Range of Oregon, within the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. Situated on the north face of Mount Jefferson, it is one of several glaciers clinging to the mountain's steep slopes.

While considerably smaller than it once was, Russell Glacier still exists as a remnant of the larger ice formations that sculpted the landscape during the Pleistocene epoch. It is primarily composed of ice and firn, with seasonal snow contributing to its mass balance.

The glacier's meltwater contributes to the drainage basin of the Whitewater River, a tributary of the Deschutes River. Its presence is important for maintaining cold water temperatures and supporting downstream ecosystems.

Like many glaciers around the world, Russell Glacier is experiencing significant retreat due to climate change. Its continued existence is threatened by rising temperatures and reduced snowfall. Monitoring of the glacier's size and mass balance is ongoing to track the effects of climate change on this fragile alpine environment. The glacier's current status can usually be determined through aerial imagery or by consulting updated USGS reports.