Montasio Glacier shows signs of distress despite historical resilience

The Montasio Glacier, located in the Julian Alps and recognized as one of the most resilient glaciers in the Alpine arc, is showing significant signs of distress due to climate change. During the 2026 Legambiente ‘Carovana dei ghiacciai’, experts from the University of Udine and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Forestry Corps observed that the glacier's ability to withstand rising temperatures is weakening.

Data from the University of Udine indicates a notable reduction in snowfall. In May, snow depth reached a maximum of only 20 meters, significantly lower than the 30–40 meters recorded during peak years. While the glacier has lost only 2–3 meters of thickness over the last twenty years—a much slower rate than the 2-meter annual loss seen in other Alpine glaciers—the current environmental conditions are causing its resistance to falter.

Physical observations reveal that the glacier, which sits at an average altitude of 1,900 meters, appears flatter and partially blackened compared to four years ago. There has been a reduction in debris cover in the upper sections and increased rockfall. Observers also witnessed the collapse of a large cavity in the upper sector of the glacier during the monitoring mission.