"This is by far the most retreat I've seen in one season," said park official Mike Tetreaus.

The glacier has been shrinking since 1993, but this year's movement was accelerated by a shift in a creek flowing out of the glacier. It now undercuts the glacier's tip.

Visitors will be able to see the glacier for many years to come. But one way they approach Exit Glacier, via the Overlook Loop Trail, will have to change. Park crews have already begun rerouting portions of the trail.

"We can't get too much closer with where it is now," Tetreaus said.

"Hopefully we don't end up like Portage with a new visitors center and no glacier," he joked.

<>The Seward Phoenix Log