Monitoring of snow cover in the mountains continues. Research initiated during the preparation and implementation of the IGY (1957-1960) turned the Tuiyksu mountain glacier basin into a permanent experimental base for Kazakh glaciologists, which has been operating for more than 50 years in a row. Observations continue according to a program that includes most of the issues that modern glaciology deals with around the world. The main attention is paid to the study of accumulation - ablation and mass balance of glaciers, meltwater runoff, fluctuations in the level of the glacier surface, changes in the area and volume of the glacier. Studies of the meteorological conditions of the glacial zone are being carried out, as well as an assessment of snow resources. In photo 1: after a snowfall on May 06, 2023, the snow depth measured at the permanent stick at the Tuyiksu-1 meteorological site was 140-160 cm, which is significantly bigger than the long-term average value (65 cm).

Photo 1 - Snow depth after a snowfall on May 6, 2023 according to snow sticks at the Tuyiksu-1 meteorological site (altitude 3450 m a.s.l.). Photo by Gebel S.L.

Photo 2 - Tuyiksu-1 meteorological site is covered with snow, part of the fence is visible. Photo by Gebel S.L.

The observation site is located on the gravelly, slightly soddy surface of the ancient moraine of the Tuiyksu glacier. In recent years, the microtopography of the site has noticeably changed - microdepressions appear, which is undoubtedly associated with the thawing of ice lenses inside the moraine and its subsidence. Therefore, the weather booths tilt, and the staff must maintain their correct position.