Eventually it is predicted the caves will be completely gone within 7 to 10 years once the interior melting has reached the surface of the glacier.

[2][8] The team has brought glaciologists with them including Andrew Fountain, Jason Gulley and Gunnar Johnson.

[10] The expeditions led by Cartaya and McGregor included Andrew Fountain to determine how much ice the glacier was losing per year by placing stakes on the surface.

[2] Andrew Fountain believed the melting of the glacier is a sign that it was dying and in 5 to 10 years the caves would be entirely gone.

[12] The initial reason for their demise was reported as climate change, however other factors seemed to be contributing such as geothermal activity.