The glacier formed after the 1980 eruption and due to its location, the body of ice grew rapidly, unknown to the public for nearly 20 years.

The growth of the lava dome and volcanic eruptions from 2004 to 2008 significantly altered the appearance of the glacier.

Heavy winter snowfall, repeated snow avalanches, rockfalls, and sun-shading by the surrounding cliffs to the south, led to the exceptionally rapid growth of this glacier.

[12][13][14][15][16] The 2004-2008 volcanic activity created a series of domes that nearly split the glacier into two lobes at the south end of the crater.

[17] With the joining of the termini on the north end of Crater Glacier in May 2008, the body of ice completely encircles the lava domes.

[22][23] After the eruptions ceased in the winter of 1980, the crater floor cooled down enough for snow and ice accumulation.

[24] Beginning with snowfall in the winter of 1980-1981, the glacier began to grow very rapidly in the shadow of the crater.

[2][5] In addition, the volcanic activity modified the surface of the glacier and transformed it from being mostly crevasse-free to being a chaotic jumble of icefalls heavily criss-crossed with crevasses and seracs due to movement of the crater floor and lava dome growth.

Ice mixed with rock debris now spills into the canyon and the creek has been pushed to the east.

After the decision, some controversy erupted following an editorial in a local newspaper protesting the decision, and the state of Washington "has indicated that the name Tulutson Glacier will continue to appear on State products, although if the feature melts soon, as is anticipated, this may not be a great concern.

[33] This was because, at that point in time, the dome-building eruptions had nearly split the glacier into an east and west arm.

No further action has been taken on this matter and the merging of the ice streams north of the 1980s lava dome has rendered this move unnecessary.