The glacier is one of four on Mount Rainier that are known to have released debris flows. Similar flows have stemmed from the Nisqually, Kautz, and Winthrop glaciers as well. The glacier has at least 23 recorded debris flows since 1967, with 15 reported between the years 1986 and 1992. The floods have caused damage and disruption to the roads and picnic areas downstream. In August 2015, a debris flow was caused by a glacial outburst flood when meltwater was released by the glacier. Part of the Westside Road was damaged by the debris flow.