Castle Mountain
Castle Mountain, east aspect
Highest point
Elevation8,620 ft (2,630 m)[1]
Prominence1,170 ft (360 m)
Isolation4.63 mi (7.45 km)
Coordinates61°38′55″N 141°59′07″W / 61.6487331°N 141.9853939°W / 61.6487331; -141.9853939[2]
Geography
Castle Mountain is located in Alaska
Castle Mountain
Castle Mountain
Location of Castle Mountain in Alaska
LocationWrangell-St. Elias National Park
Valdez-Cordova Borough
Alaska, United States
Parent rangeWrangell Mountains
Topo mapUSGS McCarthy C-3
Geology
Type of rockSedimentary rock

Castle Mountain is a remote 8,620-foot (2,630-meter) mountain summit located at the southeastern edge of the Wrangell Mountains, in the U.S. state of Alaska. The peak is situated 35 mi (56 km) northeast of McCarthy at Skolai Pass in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the south face rises 4,000 feet above the terminus of the Russell Glacier in less than one mile. Precipitation runoff from the peak drains east via the White River, and west to the Nizina River via Skolai Creek. The mountain's descriptive name was reported in 1914 by the United States Geological Survey.[2]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Castle Mountain is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.[3] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Wrangell Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Temperatures can drop below −20 °F with wind chill factors below −30 °F. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing and climbing.

Sedimentary rock strata of Castle Mountain's southeast-facing cliffs tower above a supraglacial lake filled with icebergs.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Castle Mountain AK, listsofjohn.com
  2. 1 2 "Castle Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2020-02-22.
  3. ↑ Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN 1027-5606.
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