Snowking Mountain

Last updated
Snowking Mountain
Snowking Glacier 3896.JPG
Snowking Mountain showing north aspect
Highest point
Elevation 7,433 ft (2,266 m) [1]
Prominence 1,593 ft (486 m) [1]
Parent peak Mount Misch [2]
Isolation 5.74 mi (9.24 km) [2]
Coordinates 48°24′30″N121°16′42″W / 48.408364°N 121.278276°W / 48.408364; -121.278276 [1]
Geography
USA Washington relief location map.jpg
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Snowking Mountain
Location in Washington
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Snowking Mountain
Snowking Mountain (the United States)
Snowking Mountain
Interactive map of Snowking Mountain
CountryUnited States
State Washington
County Skagit
Protected area Glacier Peak Wilderness
Parent range North Cascades
Topo map USGS Snowking Mountain
Climbing
Easiest route Alpine Scrambling

Snowking Mountain is a 7,433-foot (2,266-metre) summit located in Skagit County of Washington state. [3] Situated within the Glacier Peak Wilderness, Snowking Mountain is positioned west of the crest of the North Cascades, approximately 18 miles northeast of the town of Darrington. It is set within the Glacier Peak Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. Snowking has two subsidiary peaks, West Peak (7,425 ft), and Middle Peak (7,400 ft). [1] A broad unnamed glacier known colloquially as Snowking Glacier rests on the north face. Downslope of that glacier are Snowking Lake, Found Lake, and Cyclone Lake. Mount Tommy Thompson is three miles to the northwest, and the nearest higher neighbor is Mount Misch, 5.75 miles (9.25 km) to the southeast. [1] Precipitation runoff from Snowking Mountain drains into tributaries of the Skagit River.

Contents

Climate

Snowking Mountain is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America. [4] Most weather fronts coming off 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. Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high 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 and ridges, deep glacial valleys, and granite spires. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences.

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">Fortress Mountain (Washington)</span> Mountain in Washington, U.S.A.

Fortress Mountain is an 8,679-foot (2,645 m) peak in the Cascade Range located about 15 miles (24 km) west of Lake Chelan in Chelan/Snohomish Counties, Washington, United States. It straddles the border between the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest, and is also part of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Fortress Mountain is the highest point on Chiwawa Ridge, and other notable peaks on this ridge include Napeequa Peak, Buck Mountain, Brahma Peak, Bandit Peak, Mount Berge, Helmet Butte, and Chiwawa Mountain.

<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">Kendall Peak</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Kendall Peak is a mountain located on the county line separating King County and Kittitas County of Washington state. It is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on the crest of the Cascade Range. Kendall Peak is situated two miles northeast of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff on the east side of the mountain drains into Silver Creek and makes its way to the Columbia River via Yakima River, whereas the west side of the mountain drains into the South Fork Snoqualmie River via Commonwealth Creek. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses its west flank and an exposed section of the trail called Kendall Katwalk has seen tragic deaths over the years, most recently September 5, 2018. The nearest higher peak is Red Mountain, 0.9 miles (1.4 km) to the north-northwest.

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

Garfield Mountain, also known as Mount Garfield, is a multi-peak summit located in King County of Washington state. It is located on the western edge of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mount Garfield is more notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. Topographic relief is significant as it rises over 4,400 feet above the river in approximately one mile. The mountain's toponym honors James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States.

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

Lundin Peak is a summit located in King County of Washington state. It is part of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Lundin Peak is situated three miles north of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Lundin Peak is a high point on a ridge located midway between Snoqualmie Mountain and Red Mountain. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. Originally called Snoqualmie Little Sister, the peak's toponym was changed in 1931 to honor district forest ranger John Lundin.

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

Helen Buttes are two prominent summits near the western edge of the North Cascades, in Skagit County of Washington state. The buttes are located four miles northwest of Marblemount, Washington, in the Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness, on land administered by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The nearest higher neighbor is Diobsud Buttes, 3.11 miles (5.01 km) to the north. Precipitation runoff from Helen Buttes drains into tributaries of the Skagit River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Tooth (Washington)</span> Peak in the Cascade Range

The Tooth is the descriptive name for a 5,606-foot-elevation (1,709-meter) fin-like, andesite pillar located in King County of Washington state. It is part of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The Tooth is located northwest of Snoqualmie Pass and the Alpental ski area on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The nearest higher peak is Bryant Peak, 0.44 miles (0.71 km) to the northwest. Originally called Denny Horn and Denny Tooth, The Tooth became the officially recognized name in 1918, with Denny referring to its position on the high ridge between Denny Mountain and Chair Peak. The Tooth is a popular rock-climbing destination, even in winter. The easiest route is class 4 scrambling, but solid rock provides technical routes, with the South Face considered a classic 5.4 climb that was first done in 1928 by Anderson and Wunderling.

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

Table Mountain is a Skagit Range summit located west of Mount Shuksan and northeast of Mount Baker 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. Table Mountain is located west of Artist Point, at the end of the Mount Baker Highway. From the Artist Point parking lot, a short 1.4 mile trail leads to the summit at the west end of the mountain. The summit offers views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, Mount Hermann, and Mount Larrabee. Remnants of the Table Mountain Glacier are on the northeast slope. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Skagit and Nooksack Rivers.

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

Mount Misch is a remote 7,435 ft mountain summit in the North Cascades, in Skagit County of Washington state. It is the highest point of the Buckindy Range, or Buckindy Ridge. It is located 19 miles east-northeast of Darrington, Washington, and 15 miles north-northwest of Glacier Peak which is one of the Cascade stratovolcanoes. It is situated in the Glacier Peak Wilderness on land administered by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mount Misch was named by mountaineer and author Fred Beckey for his friend Peter Misch (1909-1987), University of Washington geology professor and mountaineer, who was renowned for his study of the North Cascades. Precipitation runoff from Mount Misch and the unnamed Goat Creek glacier on its east slope drains into tributaries of the Suiattle River and ultimately the Skagit River.

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

Goat Mountain is a 6,844-foot (2,086-metre) summit in the Skagit Range which is a subset of the North Cascades of Washington state. It is located south of Mount Larrabee and north of Mount Shuksan in the Mount Baker Wilderness, which is managed by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Goat Mountain has a subsidiary 6,725 ft summit known as the west peak, and remnants of what was colloquially known as the Swamp Creek Glacier rest on the northern slope between the two summits. The nearest higher neighbor is Mount Chardonnay, 2.75 mi (4.43 km) to the east. The Silver Tip Mine was located on the south slope of the mountain near the 3,000 ft level. The mine produced silver and gold in the 1940s. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Fraser River and the Nooksack River.

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

Mount Chaval is a craggy 7,127-foot (2,172-metre) mountain summit located in Skagit County of Washington state. Situated within the Glacier Peak Wilderness, Mount Chaval is positioned west of the crest of the North Cascades Range, approximately 15 miles northeast of the town of Darrington. It has two subsidiary peaks, East Peak and Middle Peak, each 7040 ft. The nearest higher neighbor is Snowking Mountain, 2.51 miles (4.04 km) to the northeast. Precipitation runoff from Mount Chaval drains into tributaries of the Skagit River.

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

Mount Defiance is a 5,584-foot (1,702-metre) mountain summit located in King County of Washington state. It's part of the Cascade Range and is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Mount Defiance is situated 6.5 mi (10.5 km) west of Snoqualmie Pass on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Precipitation runoff on the mountain drains into tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. The nearest higher peak is Granite Mountain, 3.96 mi (6.37 km) to the east-southeast, and Bandera Mountain is 1.85 mi (2.98 km) to the southeast. Mount Defiance can be reached by trail, with access via the Ira Spring, Talapus Lake, or Pratt Lake trailheads.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terrace Mountain (Washington)</span> Mountain summit

Terrace Mountain is a 6,361-foot (1,939-metre) mountain summit located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in eastern King County of Washington state. It is part of the Cascade Range and is situated on land managed by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The peak is situated 4 mi (6.4 km) north of Mount Daniel, and is surrounded by Lake Clarice, Marmot Lake, Ptarmigan Lakes, and the Terrace Lakes. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Skykomish River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over 1,800 feet above Lake Clarice in less than one-half mile (0.8 km). The mountain's descriptive name stems from the terrace-like appearance created by a series of benches on its east aspect.

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

Hidden Lake Peaks is series of peaks with a maximum elevation of 7,088 feet that are located in the North Cascades, in Skagit County of Washington state. The peaks extend three miles southwest from the nearest higher peak called The Triad. Situated on the western boundary of North Cascades National Park, Hidden Lake Peaks are positioned west of the crest of the Cascade Range, approximately ten miles east of the town of Marblemount. The popular subsidiary peak, Hidden Lake Lookout (6890 ft), lies a half mile to the southwest of the highest summit. The mountain's name is taken from its proximity to Hidden Lake which lies in a cirque below the east aspect of these two main peaks. Precipitation runoff from Hidden Lake Peaks drains into Cascade River which is a tributary of the Skagit River.

<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">Mount Tommy Thompson</span> Mountain in Washington (state), United States

Mount Tommy Thompson is a 6,780-foot-elevation (2,070-meter) mountain summit located in Skagit County of Washington state. It is situated eight miles southeast of the town of Marblemount, within the Glacier Peak Wilderness, on land managed by Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, on the west slopes of the North Cascades Range. The nearest higher named neighbor is Snowking Mountain, 3.16 miles (5.09 km) to the southeast. Topographic relief is significant as the southwest aspect rises 3,670 feet above Slide Lake in less than two miles. Precipitation runoff from Mount Tommy Thompson drains into tributaries of the Skagit River.

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

Le Conte Mountain is a 7,762-foot-elevation (2,366-meter) summit located on the shared boundary of Skagit County and Chelan County in Washington state. It is positioned on the crest of the North Cascades Range, and is set within the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Le Conte Mountain is situated on the shared border of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Access to the peak is via the Ptarmigan Traverse. The nearest higher neighbor is Sentinel Peak, 1.87 miles (3.01 km) to the south-southeast, and Spider Mountain is 2.4 miles (3.9 km) to the northeast. The Le Conte Glacier and South Cascade Glacier lie to the south of the peak. Precipitation runoff on the east side the mountain drains into Flat Creek which is a tributary of the Stehekin River, while precipitation drains into headwaters of the South Fork Cascade River from the west side. Topographic relief is significant as the southwest aspect rises nearly 2,500 feet above South Cascade Lake in less than one-half mile, and the northeast aspect rises 3,200 feet above Flat Creek in one mile.

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

Mount Watson is a 6,220-foot-elevation (1,900-meter) summit located in the North Cascades, 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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Snowking Mountain, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. 1 2 "Snowking Mountain - 7,433' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
  3. "Snowking Mountain". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior . Retrieved 2018-09-16.
  4. Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
  5. 1 2 Beckey, p. 16
  6. 1 2 3 4 Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.