At the ocean's edge, the snow line is defined by the height of the most recent high tide. But inland the snow line is determined by melting and evaporation due to local climate, sun exposure, tree/shrub cover, wind and rain. As summer progresses we watch the snow line move higher and higher in the mountains, and by late July the mountains in this photo will be nearly snow-free. However, many of the highest mountains that surround Glacier Bay are snow and ice covered year round. Photographer: Bill Eichenlaub