Glaciers in the St. Elias Mountains are retreating, leaving behind massive, expanding turquoise lakes.

Ice is peeling back from the landscape, revealing deep grooves that quickly fill with meltwater.

Glacial lakes in SE Alaska have grown 60% in 40 years, now covering 1,300 square kilometers.

While glacier loss is concerning, these new lakes are creating vital habitats for salmon and moose.

Warmer, calmer lake waters allow sediment to settle, making rivers ideal for sockeye salmon.

Stabilized river channels are allowing willows and bushes to transform rocky floodplains into lush forests.

The Alsek River may shift its outlet by 25km as retreating glaciers merge existing lakes.

In Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier periodically releases 'flash floods' that threaten homes.

By 2100, these lakes could grow to 5,500 sq km, radically altering the Alaskan map.

Experts warn that while nature adapts, the shift will be dangerous and unpredictable for humans.

Alaska's face is changing. Follow the latest climate science at Science News.