Shepard Glacier is now less than 25 acres in size and is therefore no longer considered an active glacier. As the park's glaciers melt, the effects will be felt far downstream. Glaciers store about 70% of the world’s freshwater. They regulate stream temperatures and maintain stream flow during late summer and drought periods when other sources are depleted. Without glacial meltwater, summer water temperatures will increase and may stress temperature sensitive species, such as aquatic insects and native trout.