Gannett is but one of dozens of glaciers located in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness of Shoshone National Forest.

Photographic evidence clearly demonstrates that there has been an enormous reduction in the area of the glacier since the 1920s.

[3] A general warming pattern and a reduction in moisture is widely believed to be the reason for the glacier retreating.

Numerous other glaciers are located in the immediate area including six more that are within the top ten in size within the Rocky Mountains of the U.S.[3] In a 1989 study, both Gannett and Dinwoody glaciers were researched to determine the amount of melt water they supplied to streams.

[4] The impact on reduced stream flow from Gannett Glacier due to glacial retreat affects more than just the amount of water available for the local ecosystem and downstream agricultural and ranching interests.