He chose a point on the Lower Grindelwald Glacier marked on the Siegfried map as the “Walchiloch” whose present position is some 600 metres west of the Stieregghütte. The time chosen was November when water flow, and snow to block the entrance, would be at a minimum.
The exploration was by no means easy. The party first passed through a slightly inclined tunnel for 50 metres. This ended in a vertical shaft which was negotiated by means of a rope ladder. At the bottom they were about 72 metres below the glacier surface, which is about one-third of the total estimated glacier depth at this point.
Here however they were held up by a narrow and dangerous constriction which was blocked at its end by a large water-filled basin which prevented all further progress. There seems little doubt that if this method were followed up, a place might be found which would provide access to a glacier bed. It is understood that Dr. Carol will repeat his attempts.
It must be remembered that the constant movement of the glacier might overnight open up a suitable means of access but equally well might close it. Therefore this form of glacier exploration must always be a very risky venture.
