Glaciers around Ny-Ålesund

Some of the glaciers around Ny-Ålesund have new crevasse pattern. Therefore it is not recommended to drive on Uversbreen, Comfortlessbreen and Aavatsmarkbreen.

Uversbreen (possible on-going surge)


Crevasse field on the lower part of the glacier (picture taken towards E, with Bogegga on the left, Gåvetoppen in the background)

Crevasse field on the upper part of the glacier
(picture taken towards ESE, with Hofgaardtoppen on the right)












Aavatsmarkbreen (surging, high danger!)

Open crevasses across the whole glacier
(picture taken towards N, with Skanken in the background)











Glacier front
(picture taken towards NW, with Sarsøya in the background)

Uversbreen is moving!

Satellite pictures analysed by UNIS show a sudden move of Uversbreen early January 2014. It isn't clear yet if it is an ongoing surge or not. Note that the colors give the different speed in m/day over a period of 11 days.
Be aware of possible new crevasses. Consider alternative routes!

Source: CRIOS project, UNIS

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Avalanche danger!!!

An avalanche slab was triggered by an unstable corniche at Skaret (off the scooter track). The whole area is potentially dangerous. Large corniches are still hanging above the "usual" scooter track.
Other avalanches were reported around Brøggerhalvøya.

Skaret : 33 X 432186 8758044

Holes on Brøggerbreen

Several hole and open water channels were spotted on Brøggerbreen near by the "usual" scooter track.

- The largest hole located at  33 X 432120 8760000

- Open water channel is located at 33 X 432276 8759129

Drive on the East side of the holes. 

Large hole on Brøggerbreen marked with sticks

(Map from Nowergian Polar Institute)

Steep snowdrift at Skaret

There is a three meter high snowdrift at Skaret (Brøggerpasset - between Skarsnuten and Steenfjellet) which is difficult to pass. The snowdrift is not visible and is dangerous for people travelling from the south. It is very difficult to pass from the north.

The position is N78 52.424; E011 51.355 (UTM: 33 X 432300 8757705)

Reported by: Thomas Andersen (source: Feltlogg - Svalbard)