Glaciers: Meltwater catastrophes are forming high in the Andes -- 03/14/2013 -- www.eenews.net

Lake Palcacocha, a high Andean lake with a deadly downside. Photo courtesy of Cesar Portocarrero.

Glaciers: Meltwater catastrophes are forming high in the Andes -- 03/14/2013 -- www.eenews.net: "Last month, the Risk Management Office of the Peruvian Municipality of Huaraz sounded the alarm that glacial lake Palcacocha had once again swollen above its record volume of 17 million cubic meters of water (about 612 million cubic feet). At such levels, local authorities feared the lake could suddenly burst and send waves, liquid mud, blocks of ice and chunks of rock roaring down the Santa River valley into the quiet city of Huaraz, population 117,774."