From then on, the glacier narrows and flows down southwest and accumulates rock debris before turning and ending at an elevation of around 5,100 feet (1,600 m).
[1] In August 2015, a debris flow was caused by a glacial outburst flood when meltwater was released by the glacier.
[3] The South Tahoma Glacier is the site of the worst accident to have occurred on the slopes of Mount Rainier.
In December 1946, 32 U.S. Marines were killed in a Curtiss R5C Commando military aircraft when it crashed into the glacier at the 10,500 foot (3,200 m) level in what was then the worst aviation accident in U.S. history.
While much of the wreckage and 25 bodies were located during several recovery attempts throughout the following year, only small artifacts were recovered, including several Marines' medical records.