icefall

[ ahys-fawl ]

noun

1. a jumbled mass of ice in a glacier.
2. a mass of ice overhanging a precipice.
3. a falling of ice from a glacier, iceberg, etc.

icefall

/ ˈaɪsˌfɔːl /

noun

1. a very steep part of a glacier that has deep crevasses and resembles a frozen waterfall

Word History and Origins

Origin of icefall¹

First recorded in 1810–20; ice + fall

Example Sentences

“With the backdrop of the icefall and the glaciers, hearing avalanches in the distance, you have this really powerful moment — and you’re also deprived of a lot of oxygen,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Climate effects will "change the experience" of Everest climbs as more bedrock is exposed in place of snow and ice, and icefalls and avalanches become more "dynamic", the study said.

From BBC

The icefall, on the South Col route to the summit of Everest, rapidly falls down the mountain opening large crevasses with little warning and dislodging huge towers of ice, known as seracs.

From BBC

Three Sherpa climbers died in an avalanche in the Khumbu icefall on April 12.

From Washington Times

Potential hazards, from icefall to rapidly changing weather, add risk to climbing Mount Rainier.

From Seattle Times