Elephant Butte (Washington)

Last updated
Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte 7380'.jpg
Elephant Butte
Highest point
Elevation 7,380 ft (2,250 m) [1]
Prominence 1,060 ft (320 m) [1]
Parent peak McMillan Spire (8,004 ft) [2]
Isolation 3.06 mi (4.92 km) [2]
Coordinates 48°47′33″N121°13′07″W / 48.79251°N 121.21861°W / 48.79251; -121.21861 [1]
Geography
USA Washington relief location map.jpg
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Elephant Butte
Location in Washington
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Elephant Butte
Location in the United States
Elephant Butte (Washington)
Interactive map of Elephant Butte
CountryUnited States
State Washington
County Whatcom
Protected area North Cascades National Park
Parent range Cascades Range
North Cascades
Picket Range
Topo map USGS Mount Prophet
Geology
Rock type Orthogneiss [3]
Climbing
Easiest route Scrambling

Elephant Butte is a remote 7,380-foot-elevation summit located in Whatcom County of Washington, United States. [4] It is situated within North Cascades National Park and Stephen Mather Wilderness, and is part of the Picket Range, a subset of the North Cascades. Like many North Cascades peaks, Elephant Butte is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 5,200 feet (1,600 meters) above McMillan Creek in one mile, and the south aspect rises 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above Stetattle Creek in two miles. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains to the Skagit River via these two creeks. This geographical feature's name has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names.

Contents

Climate

Elephant Butte is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America. [5] Weather fronts originating in the Pacific Ocean travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach the North Cascades, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range (orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades. As a result, the west side of the North Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. [5] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in avalanche danger. [5] During winter months, weather is usually cloudy, but due to high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean that intensify during summer months, there is often little or no cloud cover during the summer. [5]

Geology

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks, ridges, and deep glacial valleys. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences. These climate differences lead to vegetation variety defining the ecoregions in this area.

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch. [6] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted. [6] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago. [6]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris. [6] The U-shaped cross section of the river valleys is a result of recent glaciation. Uplift and faulting in combination with glaciation have been the dominant processes which have created the tall peaks and deep valleys of the North Cascades area.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cutthroat Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Cutthroat Peak is an 8,066-foot-elevation (2,459-meter) granitic mountain located on the boundary of Chelan County and Skagit County, in Washington state. The mountain is part of the Okanagan Range which is a subrange of the Cascade Range, and it is situated within the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest. Cutthroat Peak is set about two miles west of Washington Pass and one mile east of Rainy Pass. It is a prominent landmark along the North Cascades Highway with an accessible climbing route. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over 3,000 feet above State Creek in one mile (1.6 km). There is also a Cutthroat Lake, Cutthroat Creek, and Cutthroat Pass on its north and east aspects. This landform's toponym was officially adopted in 1988 by the United States Board on Geographic Names. Molar Tooth is a granite pillar half a mile north on the ridge extending to Cutthroat Pass.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tomyhoi Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Tomyhoi Peak is a 7,439-foot (2,267-metre) Skagit Range mountain situated one mile south of the Canada–United States border, in the North Cascades of Washington state. It is located west of Mount Larrabee and within the Mount Baker Wilderness, which is part of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This mountain's toponym was officially adopted in 1913 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruby Mountain (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Ruby Mountain is a prominent 7,412-foot (2,259-metre) mountain summit located in the North Cascades Range of Washington state. It is situated in Ross Lake National Recreation Area which is part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. The Diablo Lake Overlook along the North Cascades Highway is at the foot of the mountain. The nearest higher peak is Colonial Peak, 4.2 miles (6.8 km) to the southwest. Precipitation runoff on the east side of the mountain drains to Ross Lake via Ruby Creek, whereas the west side of the mountain drains to Diablo Lake via Thunder Creek. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 6,200 feet above Diablo Lake in approximately two miles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whistler Mountain (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Whistler Mountain is a 7,790-foot (2,370-metre) mountain summit located in Chelan County of Washington state. The mountain is part of the Okanagan Range which is a sub-range of the North Cascades. Whistler Mountain is about two miles west of Washington Pass and one mile east of Rainy Pass. The North Cascades Highway bends around the southern base of the mountain between these two passes. A high ridge connects Whistler to its nearest higher neighbor, Cutthroat Peak, which is 0.78 miles (1.26 km) to the north-northeast. Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into Bridge Creek. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over 3,000 feet above the creek and highway in approximately one mile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fisher Peak (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Fisher Peak is an 8,087-foot-elevation (2,465-meter) mountain summit located in the North Cascades of Washington state. It is situated on the boundaries of the Stephen Mather Wilderness and North Cascades National Park, midway between Black Peak and Easy Pass, and adjacent to Repulse Peak. Precipitation runoff from Fisher Peak's north and east slopes drains to Fisher Creek and Granite Creek which flow to the Skagit River, whereas the west slope drains into tributaries of the Stehekin River. Topographic relief is significant as the east aspect rises approximately 2,100 feet in less than one-half mile (0.8 km). The mountain's toponym has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devils Thumb (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Devils Thumb is a 5,172-foot-elevation (1,576-meter) mountain summit in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. It is located near the western edge of the North Cascades, 10 miles south of Darrington, Washington, and 20 miles west of Glacier Peak which is one of the Cascade stratovolcanoes. The peak is situated on land administered by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The nearest higher neighbor is Devils Peak, 0.79 miles (1.27 km) to the southwest. Precipitation runoff from the south slope of Devils Thumb drains into Coal Creek which is a tributary of the Stillaguamish River, whereas the other slopes drain into Helena Creek → Clear Creek → Sauk River. Although modest in elevation, topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over 2,100 feet above Helena Lake in one-half mile (0.8 km). This mountain's toponym has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Mountain (Skagit County, Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Red Mountain is a 7,662-foot (2,335-metre) summit in the North Cascades of Washington, United States. It is located in Skagit County, within North Cascades National Park and the Stephen Mather Wilderness. It is situated on a smooth ridge of brick-red color at the western culmination of Ragged Ridge. The nearest higher peak is Cosho Peak, 2.6 miles (4.2 km) to the east-southeast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Ballard (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Mount Ballard is an 8,371-foot (2,551-metre) double-summit mountain located in eastern Whatcom County of Washington state. It is part of the Okanogan Range which is a sub-range of the North Cascades Range, and the mountain is situated on land administered by the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest. Ballard ranks 84th on Washington's highest 100 peaks. The nearest higher neighbor is Azurite Peak, 2.04 miles (3.28 km) to the south. Precipitation runoff from Mount Ballard drains into Mill Creek and Slate Creek, both tributaries of the Skagit River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises approximately 4,000 feet above Mill Creek in one mile (1.6 km).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hagan Mountain</span> Multi-peak mountain located in the North Cascades

Hagan Mountain is a multi-peak mountain located in Whatcom County, Washington state, within North Cascades National Park. It has an elevation of 7,080-feet (2,160-metres). The mountain is situated approximately 12 mi (19 km) north of Marblemount.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monument Peak (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Monument Peak is an 8,597-foot (2,620-metre) mountain summit located in western Okanogan County in Washington state. It is part of the Okanogan Range which is a sub-range of the North Cascades. The mountain is situated in the Pasayten Wilderness, on land administered by the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest. The nearest higher peak is Mount Lago, 2.42 miles (3.89 km) to the north. Precipitation runoff from Monument Peak drains east into Monument Creek, and west into Eureka Creek, which are both part of the Methow River drainage basin. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 3,800 feet above Eureka Creek in 1.25 mile (2 km).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pocket Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Pocket Peak is a 7,056-foot (2,151-metre) mountain summit located in the Skagit Range, which is a subset of the North Cascades in Whatcom County of Washington state. It is situated immediately west of Pocket Lake, and 4 mi (6.4 km) east of Mount Larrabee in the Mount Baker Wilderness, which is managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Pocket Peak is set on the Slesse Divide, 0.7 mile south of the Canada–United States border. Its nearest higher neighbor is Rapid Peak, 2.24 mi (3.60 km) to the southeast, North Big Bosom Butte is 2.5 miles to the southwest, and Slesse Mountain is set 3.24 mi (5.21 km) to the northwest. Other peaks which can be seen from the summit include Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, American Border Peak, Mount Chardonnay, Mount Rexford, and many more. This unofficially named peak is named in association with officially named Pocket Lake. Precipitation runoff from this mountain drains into Silesia and Ensawkwatch Creeks, which are both tributaries of the Chilliwack River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow Aster Butte</span> Mountain in Washington, United States of America

Yellow Aster Butte is a 6,241-foot (1,902-metre) Skagit Range summit located three miles south of the Canada–United States border, in Whatcom County of Washington state. It is situated within the Mount Baker Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The nearest higher neighbor is Winchester Mountain, 1.77 miles (2.85 km) to the east, and Mount Larrabee is set 2.3 miles (3.7 km) to the northeast. The summit offers views of Mount Larrabee, Tomyhoi Peak, American Border Peak, Canadian Border Peak, Mount Shuksan, and Mount Baker. Precipitation runoff on the north side of the mountain drains into Tomyhoi Creek, whereas the west side of the mountain drains into Damfino Creek, and the south slope is drained by Swamp Creek.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gabriel Peak (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Gabriel Peak is a prominent 7,920-foot (2,410 m)-elevation mountain summit located in North Cascades National Park, in Skagit County of Washington state. It is part of the North Cascades which is a subset of the Cascade Range. The nearest higher neighbor is Cosho Peak, 2.7 miles (4.3 km) to the south, Beebe Mountain is set 2.5 miles (4.0 km) to the north, and Red Mountain is 3 miles (4.8 km) to the southwest. Precipitation runoff from this feature drains to Ross Lake via Gabriel and Panther Creeks. Like many North Cascade peaks, Gabriel Peak is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Topographic relief is significant as it rises 4,700 feet (1,400 m) above the Panther Creek valley in approximately one mile. This geographical feature is named after the archangel Gabriel, which is a reference to Tommy Rowland who settled in the Skagit River area in 1895 and later pronounced himself the "Prophet Elisha." Mount Prophet, Genesis Peak, and nearby Elija Ridge were also named in association with Rowland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhino Butte</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Rhino Butte is a remote 6,914-foot-elevation summit located in Whatcom County of Washington, United States. It is situated within North Cascades National Park and Stephen Mather Wilderness, and is part of the Picket Range, a subset of the North Cascades. Like many North Cascades peaks, Rhino Butte is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 4,350 feet above McMillan Creek in one mile, and the south aspect rises 4,700 feet above Stetattle Creek in two miles. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains to the Skagit River via these two creeks. The nearest higher neighbor is Elephant Butte, 1.27 mile to the east-northeast, with Hippo Butte (6,889 ft) between the two. A high alpine ridge connects Rhino to McMillan Spire, 1.7 mile to the west-southwest, and Azure Lake lies below this ridge. The first ascent of the summit was made October 15, 1978, by John Roper. This geographical feature's name has not yet been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Big Bosom Butte</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

North Big Bosom Butte is a 6,384-foot (1,946-metre) mountain summit located in Whatcom County of Washington state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Buckindy</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Mount Buckindy is a remote 7,320-foot-elevation (2,230-meter) mountain summit located in the North Cascades, in Skagit County of Washington state. It is the second-highest point of the Buckindy Range, or Buckindy Ridge. It is set in the Glacier Peak Wilderness on land managed by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It is situated 20 miles east-northeast of Darrington, Washington, and 17 miles north-northwest of Glacier Peak which is one of the Cascade stratovolcanoes. Precipitation runoff from Mount Buckindy drains south to the Suiattle River via Buck Creek and Downey Creek, and north to the Cascade River via Kindy Creek. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 4,700 feet above Kindy Creek in less than two miles. The mountain's toponym is a portmanteau of Buck and Kindy Creeks, and has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helmet Butte</span> Mountain of Washington (state)

Helmet Butte is a 7,400-foot (2,256-metre) summit located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the North Cascades in Washington state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Devil Peak</span> Mountain in Skagit County, Washington, United States

Little Devil Peak is a 6,985-foot-elevation (2,129 m) mountain summit located in Skagit County of Washington state. It is set within North Cascades National Park and Stephen Mather Wilderness, where it is situated 3.1 miles northeast of Lookout Mountain. Little Devil is the second-highest peak of Teebone Ridge, and other peaks on this ridge include line parent Big Devil Peak, Fallen Angel, and The Trapezoid. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Skagit River. Like many North Cascades peaks, it is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Topographic relief is significant as the south aspect rises 5,400 feet above Marble Creek in three miles, and the east aspect rises 4,200 feet above Newhalem Creek in approximately 1.5 mile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damnation Peak</span> Mountain in Washington, United States

Damnation Peak is a 5,635-foot-elevation (1,718 m) mountain summit located in the North Cascades of Washington state. It is situated within North Cascades National Park, Stephen Mather Wilderness, and Whatcom County. Like many North Cascades peaks, Damnation Peak is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Topographic relief is significant as the south aspect rises 2,800 feet above Damnation Creek in approximately 1.5 mile, and the north aspect rises 3,000 feet above Triumph Creek in one mile. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into these tributaries of the Skagit River. Neighbors include Mount Triumph, 2.8 miles (4.5 km) to the north-northeast, and Trappers Peak is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) to the east-northeast. The town of Newhalem is six miles to the east. In 1938, Lloyd Anderson climbed a nearby summit which is known today as Thornton Peak and called it "Damnation."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Face Mountain</span> Mountain in Washington, United States

Red Face Mountain is a 7,141-foot-elevation (2,177-meter) summit in Whatcom County of Washington state.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Elephant Butte, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. 1 2 "Elephant Butte - 7,380' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
  3. Geologic map of the North Cascade Range, Washington, Haugerud, R.A., and Tabor, R.W., US Geological Survey, 2009.
  4. "Elephant Butte". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved 2018-07-28.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Beckey, Fred W. (1996). Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 2: Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass (2nd ed.). ISBN   978-0-89886-838-8.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.