ABSTRACT
Glacial lakes in high-altitude regions are rapidly expanding due to climate change, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). This study assesses the stability of the terminal moraine dam of Imja Glacial Lake in Nepal's Everest region using 2D Finite Element Modeling (PLAXIS 2D), focusing on seepage behavior and slope stability under static and dynamic loading. Results show the moraine is stable, with a factor of safety of 3.18 (static) and 3.03 (dynamic). Seepage is low (4.937 × 10−6 m³/s per meter), reduced by dead ice disrupting flow paths. Dynamic analysis indicates reduced peak ground acceleration due to damping by a thick overburden. Maximum deformations—12 cm horizontal and 8.8 cm vertical—occur at the crest, influenced by dead ice distribution. This assessment informs risk mitigation strategies and highlights the need for continued monitoring to address changing glacial conditions and safeguard downstream areas.
