Grand Sentinel

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Grand Sentinel
Grand Sentinel.jpg
Highest point
Elevation 8,518 ft (2,596 m) [1]
Prominence 99 ft (30 m) [1]
Parent peak Palmer Mountain (11,254 ft) [2]
Isolation 2.04 mi (3.28 km) [2]
Coordinates 36°47′01″N118°35′03″W / 36.7835501°N 118.5842656°W / 36.7835501; -118.5842656 [3]
Geography
Relief map of California.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Grand Sentinel
Location in California
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Grand Sentinel
Grand Sentinel (the United States)
CountryUnited States
State California
County Fresno
Protected area Kings Canyon National Park
Parent range Sierra Nevada
Great Western Divide [1]
Topo map USGS The Sphinx
Geology
Rock type granitic

Grand Sentinel is an 8,518-foot-elevation (2,596-meter) pillar located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Kings Canyon National Park, in Fresno County of northern California. [3] This landmark is situated at the northern end of the Great Western Divide, two miles west-northwest of The Sphinx, and immediately south of Kanawyers and Zumwalt Meadow. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises nearly 3,500 feet (1,100 meters) above the canyon floor in one-half mile. This feature's name has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names. [3]

Contents

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Grand Sentinel is located in an alpine climate zone. [4] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range (orographic lift). Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into the South Fork Kings River.

See also

Grand Sentinel by Ansel Adams, circa 1936 "Grand Sentinel, Kings River Canyon (Proposed as a national park)," California, 1936., ca. 1936 - NARA - 519916.tif
Grand Sentinel by Ansel Adams, circa 1936

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Giraud Peak is a 12,608-foot-elevation (3,843-meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of northern California, United States. It is situated in the Palisades area of northern Kings Canyon National Park, 3.0 miles (4.8 km) southwest of North Palisade, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of Columbine Peak, the nearest higher neighbor. Giraud Peak ranks as the 258th-highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises 4,400 feet above LeConte Canyon in less than two miles. On the direct opposite side of the canyon The Citadel stands guard. The first ascent of the summit was made September 1, 1925, by Norman Clyde via the east arête.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wheel Mountain</span> Mountain in the state of California

Wheel Mountain is a 12,774-foot-elevation (3,894-meter) mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Fresno County of central California, United States. This mountain is situated on the Black Divide in northern Kings Canyon National Park, one mile northwest of Devils Crags, and two miles south-southeast of Mount McDuffie, which is the nearest higher neighbor. Wheel Mountain ranks as the 216th-highest summit in California, and the fifth-highest on Black Divide. Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises 4,500 feet above Enchanted Gorge in approximately 1.5 mile, and the east aspect rises 4,500 feet above Le Conte Canyon in 2.5 miles. An approach to this remote peak is made possible via the John Muir Trail.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Grand Sentinel, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Grand Sentinel - 8,519' CA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Grand Sentinel". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  4. Climate of the Sierra Nevada, Britannica.com