Pyramid Peak (Alaska)

Summary

Pyramid Peak is an 8,875-foot (2,705-meter) mountain summit located at the western edge of the Saint Elias Mountains, in the U.S. state of Alaska. The peak is situated in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, 22 mi (35 km) southeast of McCarthy, 7 mi (11 km) southeast of Williams Peak, and 6 mi (10 km) south-southeast of Joshua Green Peak. The peak's descriptive local name was reported in 1908 by the United States Geological Survey.[3] Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Nizina River, which in turn is part of the Copper River drainage basin.

Pyramid Peak
Pyramid Peak (left) with Peak 8910
Aerial view from the south
Highest point
Elevation8,875 ft (2,705 m)[1]
Prominence725 ft (221 m)[2]
Parent peakPeak 8910
Isolation0.63 mi (1.01 km)
Coordinates61°18′25″N 142°19′48″W / 61.3069408°N 142.3299661°W / 61.3069408; -142.3299661[3]
Geography
Pyramid Peak is located in Alaska
Pyramid Peak
Pyramid Peak
Location of Pyramid Peak in Alaska
LocationWrangell-St. Elias National Park
Valdez-Cordova Borough
Alaska, United States
Parent rangeSaint Elias Mountains
Topo mapUSGS McCarthy B-4
Pyramid Mountain in 1913

Climate edit

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Pyramid Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.[4] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Saint Elias Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop below −20 °F with wind chill factors below −30 °F. This climate supports small unnamed glaciers on its north and south slopes. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing and climbing.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Pyramid Peak, Alaska". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2020-02-22.
  2. ^ Pyramid Peak AK, listsofjohn.com
  3. ^ a b "Pyramid Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2020-02-22.
  4. ^ 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.

External links edit

  • Weather forecast: National Weather Service