NORTH CASCADES GLACIER CLIMATE PROJECT
In August 2021, I joined as the artist in residence for the 38th consecutive backcountry field season with the North Cascades Glacier Climate Project. Dr. Mauri Pelto founded the project in 1983 as a PhD student, and has been performing "backpack science" ever since. This low-cost, high-impact research relies on no helicopter support, no salaries, and no permanent camps — resulting in the most extensive glacier mass balance field program in the United States.
Pelto's team completed detailed measurements on 10 glaciers, three of which are part of the World Glacier Monitoring Service reference glacier network (42 glaciers globally). I flew from Alaska to join for 10 days of their 2.5 week field season, learning about snow pack measurement, supraglacial stream velocity, slope changes, and terminus recession on Sholes, Rainbow, Lower Curtis, and Easton Glaciers (Mount Baker + Mount Shuksan). I captured photographs of the science and the people behind the science, assisted in collecting data measurements, and began the process of translating glacial science into dessert format through the use of notebook sketches and on-location conversations with the project founders.
Glaciers are one of the world’s best climate monitors and are a critical water resource for many populated regions. This is particularly true across the North Cascades where 700 glaciers yield 200 billion gallons of summer runoff and glaciers have lost 30 % of their area in the last century.
Read more about our field season here:
National Geographic
NCGCP Glacier Blog
Backpacker Magazine
Post-residency outreach:
- Virtual reality exhibition with the Climate Gallery
- Collection of 5 cakes and a marshmallow rope that communicate the NCGCP team's science initiatives
- 206 educational glacier dessert boxes shipped to 34 states (see below)
- Press features include culinary-focused articles and two podcast interviews
- Detailed social media posts
- Photojournalistic documentation of the field season
- A video short introduction to the team’s research process
Pelto's team completed detailed measurements on 10 glaciers, three of which are part of the World Glacier Monitoring Service reference glacier network (42 glaciers globally). I flew from Alaska to join for 10 days of their 2.5 week field season, learning about snow pack measurement, supraglacial stream velocity, slope changes, and terminus recession on Sholes, Rainbow, Lower Curtis, and Easton Glaciers (Mount Baker + Mount Shuksan). I captured photographs of the science and the people behind the science, assisted in collecting data measurements, and began the process of translating glacial science into dessert format through the use of notebook sketches and on-location conversations with the project founders.
Glaciers are one of the world’s best climate monitors and are a critical water resource for many populated regions. This is particularly true across the North Cascades where 700 glaciers yield 200 billion gallons of summer runoff and glaciers have lost 30 % of their area in the last century.
Read more about our field season here:
National Geographic
NCGCP Glacier Blog
Backpacker Magazine
Post-residency outreach:
- Virtual reality exhibition with the Climate Gallery
- Collection of 5 cakes and a marshmallow rope that communicate the NCGCP team's science initiatives
- 206 educational glacier dessert boxes shipped to 34 states (see below)
- Press features include culinary-focused articles and two podcast interviews
- Detailed social media posts
- Photojournalistic documentation of the field season
- A video short introduction to the team’s research process
C L I M A T E G A L L E R Y
"Explore the multi-media activism of 5 extraordinary artists through the VR galleries that make up “A Study in Artivism” exhibit.
Supported by the California Arts Council, we showcase art and artists who dare to combat the climate crisis."
Visit the show here.
"Explore the multi-media activism of 5 extraordinary artists through the VR galleries that make up “A Study in Artivism” exhibit.
Supported by the California Arts Council, we showcase art and artists who dare to combat the climate crisis."
Visit the show here.
All photos taken by Rose McAdoo during a 10-day backcountry field season with the North Cascades Glacier Climate Project.
S O L D O U T !
Last chance to order this collection of Dessert Stories — a limited edition box full of desserts that communicate glacier science! These boxes are gorgeous and they make a uniquely interactive, educational, and delicious experience.
What's included?
S W E E T S
Five types of desserts — each communicating an aspect of glacier science
B O O K
Beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated 12-page booklet
P H O T O S
Original photos captured while guiding in Alaska and throughout my artist residency with the North Cascades Glacier Climate Project
S T O R I E S
First-hand writing excerpts and resources for further learning to guide you through your tasting experience
What's included?
S W E E T S
Five types of desserts — each communicating an aspect of glacier science
B O O K
Beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated 12-page booklet
P H O T O S
Original photos captured while guiding in Alaska and throughout my artist residency with the North Cascades Glacier Climate Project
S T O R I E S
First-hand writing excerpts and resources for further learning to guide you through your tasting experience
S N E A K P E E K
M O R E G L A C I E R S + E D I B L E S C I E N C E H E R E
