Icy Peak

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Icy Peak
Icy Peak in North Cascades National Park.jpg
Icy Peak seen from Ruth Mountain
Highest point
Elevation 7,073 ft (2,156 m) [1]
Prominence 1,315 ft (401 m) [1]
Parent peak Seahpo Peak (7,441 ft) [2]
Isolation 1.54 mi (2.48 km) [2]
Coordinates 48°50′08″N121°31′32″W / 48.835643°N 121.525539°W / 48.835643; -121.525539 [1]
Geography
USA Washington relief location map.jpg
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Icy Peak
Location in Washington
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Icy Peak
Icy Peak (the United States)
Location
Parent range North Cascades
Topo map USGS Mount Shuksan
Climbing
Easiest route Climbing, class 4, Glacier travel

Icy Peak is a 7,073-foot (2,156-metre) Skagit Range mountain summit located in the North Cascades of Washington state. It is situated in North Cascades National Park at the head of Nooksack Cirque. High ridges connect it to Seahpo Peak and Mount Shuksan. An icefall occupies the northeast cirque, and small glaciers clad all sides of the peak. Precipitation runoff drains into the Nooksack and Baker Rivers.

Contents

Climate

Alpenglow on west aspect of Icy Peak, as seen from Nooksack Cirque at sunset. Icy Peak from Nooksack Cirque.jpg
Alpenglow on west aspect of Icy Peak, as seen from Nooksack Cirque at sunset.

Icy Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America. [3] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach the North Cascades, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades (Orographic lift). As a result, the west side of the North Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. 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. [3] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger. [3] The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.

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. [4] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted. [4] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago. [4]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris. [4] 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.

Icy Peak is a remnant of the Hannegan Caldera, a large extinct volcano.

Spillway Glacier on Icy Peak Spillway Glacier on Icy Peak (1f0e78c6-18cf-4fd6-99d9-f69d1efc6323).tif
Spillway Glacier on Icy Peak

See also

Related Research Articles

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

Seahpo Peak is a subsidiary peak of Mount Shuksan, which rises in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the main peak of Shuksan and rises to about 7,441 feet (2,268 m). It is located in North Cascades National Park and is part of the North Cascades range.

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

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

Nooksack Tower is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. Nooksack Tower is part of the Mount Shuksan Massif and is .75 mi (1.21 km) northeast of the main summit of Shuksan. Nooksack Tower looms to the west over Nooksack Cirque. The East Nooksack Glacier lies to the southeast, West Nooksack Glacier to the east and Price Glacier is on the north flanks of the tower. Nooksack Tower is one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the Cascade Range, with loose rock, 50-degree or greater slopes and ice ridges as well as accessibility issues and exposure, all weighing into the climbing equation. The descent may require ten or more rappels.

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

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

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

Ruth Mountain is a 7,115 ft (2,170 m) Skagit Range summit located two miles south of Hannegan Pass in the North Cascades of Washington state. The name honors Ruth Cleveland, daughter of President Grover Cleveland. This mountain's name was officially adopted in 1952 by the United States Board on Geographic Names. Ruth Mountain is situated on the shared border of North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker Wilderness, which is part of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The summit offers views of Mount Shuksan, East Nooksack Glacier, Seahpo Peak, Nooksack Tower, Icy Peak, Mount Sefrit, Mineral Mountain, and the Picket Range. The melting and receding Ruth Glacier on the north slope of Ruth creates the headwaters for the Chilliwack River. Precipitation runoff also finds its way into the Nooksack and Baker Rivers.

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

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

Mount Sefrit is a 7,191 ft (2,190 m) Skagit Range summit located three miles north of Mount Shuksan in the North Cascades of Washington state. It is situated in the Mount Baker Wilderness, which is managed by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The summit offers views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, and the Picket Range. Mount Sefrit's name honors Frank Ira Sefrit (1867–1950), editor and publisher of The Bellingham Herald for nearly 40 years. This mountain's name was officially adopted in 1952 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into the deep valleys of Ruth Creek and the Nooksack River which nearly encircle Mount Sefrit, except for Nooksack Ridge which connects it to Ruth Mountain.

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

Rainy Peak is a 7,768 ft (2,368 m) summit in the Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located 3 kilometers south of Rainy Pass and one kilometer southeast of Frisco Mountain on the borders of the Stephen Mather Wilderness and North Cascades National Park. Its nearest higher peak is Corteo Peak, 2.33 mi (3.75 km) to the northwest. Precipitation runoff from Rainy Peak drains into Rainy Lake and tributaries of Bridge Creek. The retreating Lyall Glacier in its north cirque contributes to waterfalls which tumble 1,000 ft (300 m) into Rainy Lake.

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

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

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mineral Mountain (North Cascades National Park)</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Mineral Mountain is a 6,800-foot (2,100-metre) mountain summit in the Skagit Range of the North Cascades of Washington state. Mineral Mountain is situated in North Cascades National Park and the summit offers views of Mount Shuksan, Icy Peak, and the Picket Range. Easy Peak is set 2 mi (3.2 km) to the east, and the nearest higher neighbor is Ruth Mountain, 3.06 mi (4.92 km) to the west. Precipitation runoff from Mineral Mountain finds its way north into the Chilliwack River, and south into the Baker River.

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

Napeequa Peak is an 8,073-foot (2,461-metre) pyramidal mountain summit located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the North Cascades in Washington state. The mountain is situated on the crest of the Cascade Range, on the shared border of Snohomish County and Chelan County, also straddling the boundary between the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest. Its nearest neighbor is Cirque Mountain, 0.3 mi (0.48 km) to the north, and the nearest higher peak is Buck Mountain, 2.56 mi (4.12 km) to the east-southeast. Precipitation runoff from the peak drains east to the headwaters of Napeequa River; or west into the Suiattle River. The mountain's name is taken from the river's name, which was applied by Albert Hale Sylvester (1871-1944), a pioneer surveyor, explorer, topographer, and forest supervisor in the Cascades.

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

Granite Mountain is a 6,692-foot (2,040-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 1.7 mi (2.7 km) south of Mount Chardonnay, and 1.2 mi (1.9 km) northwest of Hannegan Peak in the Mount Baker Wilderness, which is managed by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Fraser River and the Nooksack River.

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

Brahma Peak is a remote 8,078-foot (2,462-metre) mountain summit located on Chiwawa Ridge in the North Cascades, in Chelan County of Washington state. The mountain is situated in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, on land managed by the Wenatchee National Forest. Its nearest higher neighbor is Buck Mountain, 1.8 mi (2.9 km) to the north. Brahma and Buck are set on Chiwawa Ridge, and other notable peaks on this ridge include Fortress Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Napeequa Peak, Mount Berge, Bandit Peak, and Chiwawa Mountain. Precipitation runoff from Brahma and meltwater from its glacier remnants drains into Chiwawa River and Napeequa River, both tributaries of the Wenatchee River. Topographic relief is significant since the southwest lavender-colored schist cliffs of this peak rise nearly 4,000 feet above the Napeequa River Valley in approximately one mile.

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

Cirque Mountain is a 7,966-foot (2,428-metre) mountain summit located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the North Cascades in Washington state. The mountain is situated on the crest of the Cascade Range, on the shared border of Snohomish County and Chelan County, also straddling the boundary between the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest. Its nearest higher peak is Napeequa Peak, 0.3 mi (0.48 km) to the south. The peak is set on Chiwawa Ridge with Napeequa, and other notable peaks on this ridge include Fortress Mountain, Buck Mountain, Brahma Peak, Mount Berge, and Chiwawa Mountain. Topographic relief is significant since the western aspect of the mountain rises 4,000 feet above the Suiattle Valley in approximately 1.5 mi (2.4 km). This mountain has small, unnamed, hanging glaciers in cirques surrounding the summit. Precipitation runoff from the peak and meltwater from the glaciers drains east to the headwaters of Napeequa River; or west into the Suiattle River.

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

Bandit Peak is a 7,625-foot (2,324-metre) double-summit granitic mountain located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the North Cascades, in Chelan County of Washington state. The mountain is situated east of the crest of the Cascade Range, on land managed by the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest. Its nearest higher neighbor is Brahma Peak, 5.9 mi (9.5 km) to the north. Bandit Peak is the ninth-highest peak on Chiwawa Ridge, and other notable peaks on this ridge include Mount Berge, Buck Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Napeequa Peak, Helmet Butte, and Chiwawa Mountain. Precipitation runoff from Bandit Peak drains west into Napeequa River; or east into the Chiwawa River.

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

Mount Hermann is a 6,240+ ft Skagit Range summit located northwest of Mount Shuksan and northeast of Mount Baker, in the North Cascades of Washington state. It is situated in the Mount Baker Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mount Hermann is located immediately west of the Mt. Baker Ski Area, at the end of the Mount Baker Highway. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Nooksack River. This peak is named for Binger Hermann (1843–1926), head of the U.S. General Land Office. This geographic feature has also had variant names "Mount Herman", and "Herman Peak". The present name and spelling was officially adopted in 1988 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

<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">Bearpaw Mountain</span> Mountain in Washington, United States

Bearpaw Mountain is a 6,091-foot (1,857-metre) mountain summit located in Whatcom County of Washington state. It is situated less than four miles south of the Canada–United States border, on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The nearest higher neighbor is Church Mountain, 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the southwest, and Mount Baker rises 11.8 miles (19.0 km) to the south. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains to the Nooksack River via Canyon Creek. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 3,100 feet (945 m) above Canyon Creek in approximately 1.5 mile. Bearpaw Mountain houses Bearpaw Mountain Lake, 650 ft elevated fishing lake.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Icy Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. 1 2 "Icy Peak - 7,073' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  3. 1 2 3 Beckey, Fred W. (2008). Cascade Alpine Guide, Vol. 3, Rainy Pass to Fraser River (3rd ed.). Mountaineers Books. ISBN   978-1-59485-136-0.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.