West Unicorn Peak is the second-highest point in the Tatoosh Range which is a sub-range of the Cascade Range.[1] It is located south of Mount Rainier within Mount Rainier National Park, in Lewis County of Washington state. The nearest higher peak is Unicorn Peak, 0.17 miles (0.27 km) to the east-northeast.[1] Precipitation runoff and meltwater from the peak's small glacier, Unicorn Glacier, drain into tributaries of the Cowlitz River.
| West Unicorn Peak | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,840 ft (2,085 m)[1] |
| Prominence | 200 ft (61 m)[1] |
| Parent peak | Unicorn Peak[1] |
| Isolation | 0.17 mi (0.27 km) |
| Coordinates | 46°44′39″N 121°42′18″W / 46.744154°N 121.705127°W |
| Geography | |
  West Unicorn Peak Location in Washington  West Unicorn Peak West Unicorn Peak (the United States) | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Lewis |
| Protected area | Mount Rainier National Park |
| Parent range | Tatoosh Range Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Tatoosh Lakes |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Climbing |
Climate
editWest Unicorn Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[2] Most weather fronts originating in the Pacific Ocean travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach, 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 snow onto the Cascades. As a result, the west side of the Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall.[2] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in avalanche danger.[2] 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.[2] Due to its temperate climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, areas west of the Cascade Crest very rarely experience temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C) or above 80 °F (27 °C).[2]
References
edit
External links
edit- National Park Service web site: Mount Rainier National Park