Independence Peak (California)

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Independence Peak
Independence Peak, Sierra Nevada.jpg
Northwest aspect
Highest point
Elevation 11,742 ft (3,579 m)  NAVD 88 [1]
Prominence 358 ft (109 m) [1]
Parent peak University Peak [2]
Isolation 1.89 mi (3.04 km) [2]
Listing Sierra Peaks Section [3]
Coordinates 36°45′39″N118°19′55″W / 36.7609598°N 118.3318345°W / 36.7609598; -118.3318345 Coordinates: 36°45′39″N118°19′55″W / 36.7609598°N 118.3318345°W / 36.7609598; -118.3318345 [4]
Geography
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Independence Peak
Location in California
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Independence Peak
Independence Peak (the United States)
Location Inyo County California, U.S.
Parent range Sierra Nevada
Topo map USGS Kearsarge Peak
Geology
Age of rock Cretaceous
Mountain type Fault block
Climbing
First ascent January 17, 1926 by Norman Clyde [5]
Easiest route Exposed scramble, class 3 [5]

Independence Peak is an 11,742-foot-elevation (3,579 meter) mountain summit located one mile east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Inyo County of northern California. [4] It is situated immediately south of Onion Valley on the eastern boundary of John Muir Wilderness, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. It is also 8 miles (13 km) west-southwest of the community of Independence, and 1.9 miles (3.1 km) northeast of parent University Peak. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 3,600 feet (1,100 meters) above Onion Valley in one mile. Independence Peak can be climbed via the north slope from Onion Valley. The first ascent of the summit was made in 1926 by Norman Clyde, who is credited with 130 first ascents, most of which were in the Sierra Nevada. [6] </ref> He climbed this peak three times in 1926, and twice in 1927.</ref> [7] He was principal of the high school in Independence from 1924 to 1928, which provided him access to this nearest peak to his home.

Contents

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Independence Peak has an alpine climate. [8] 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 this mountain drains north into Independence Creek, thence Owens Valley.

See also

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Dragon Peak (California)

Dragon Peak is a 12,955-foot-elevation (3,949 meter) mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California. It is situated on the common border of Fresno County with Inyo County, as well as the boundary shared by John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park. It is 10 miles (16 km) west of the community of Independence, and 1.3 miles (2.1 km) south of Black Mountain. Dragon Peak ranks as the 161st-highest summit in California. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 1,900 feet (580 meters) above Dragon Lake in less than one mile. This mountain is habitat for the endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, which restricts climbing from July through December, so most ascents are made in the spring. The first ascent of the summit was made in 1920 by either Norman Clyde, or Fred Parker and J. E. Rother. The John Muir Trail traverses two miles west of this peak, providing an approach option. The mountain is so named because of the shape of its outline as seen from Rae Lakes.

Clyde Spires

Clyde Spires is a 13,267-foot-elevation (4,044 meter) mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, United States. It is situated on the boundary shared by Kings Canyon National Park with John Muir Wilderness, and along the common border of Fresno County with Inyo County. It is 20 miles (32 km) west of the community of Big Pine, and 0.5 miles (0.80 km) southeast of Mount Wallace, which is the nearest higher neighbor. The west spire is slightly higher than the east spire. Topographic relief is significant as the spires rise 1,665 feet (507 meters) above Echo Lake in 0.38 mile (0.6 km).

References

  1. 1 2 "Independence Peak, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2021-04-25.
  2. 1 2 "Independence Peak CA". ListsOfJohn.com. Retrieved 2021-04-25.
  3. "Sierra Peaks Section List" (PDF). Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club . Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  4. 1 2 "Independence Peak". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey . Retrieved 2021-04-25.
  5. 1 2 Secor, R.J. (1992). The High Sierra Peaks, Passes, and Trails (1st ed.). Seattle: The Mountaineers. p. 151. ISBN   978-0898863130.
  6. "Norman Clyde - Mountaineer". OwensValleyHistory.com. Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  7. Voge, Hervey H. (1954). A Climber’s Guide to the High Sierra. ISBN   978-0871560643 . Retrieved 2021-11-27.
  8. Peel, M. C.; Finlaysonv, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN   1027-5606.