According to the Government of Canada, Peyto Glacier has lost approximately 1.3 kilometres in length since 1898, and its surface area has decreased by approximately 2.5 square kilometres since the late 1960s. The rate of retreat has accelerated in recent decades, with the glacier losing an average of 7 to 10 metres of thickness per year.
The retreat of Peyto Glacier has had several impacts on the surrounding environment and ecosystem. It has caused changes in water flow and temperature patterns in the area, which has affected fish populations and other aquatic life. The loss of ice has also exposed more rock and debris, which can increase the risk of rockfalls and avalanches. Additionally, the melting glacier is contributing to the rise in sea levels, which has global implications for coastal communities and ecosystems.
The retreat of Peyto Glacier is a significant indicator of climate change and its effects on mountain environments. It is important to monitor and study the glacier's retreat in order to understand the ongoing changes in the climate and to develop strategies for mitigating the impacts on the environment and local communities.
