Whitecrown (Chugach Mountains)

Whitecrown is a 6,390-foot (1,948 m) mountain summit in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Whitecrown
Aerial view of Whitecrown from northeast
Highest point
Elevation6,390 ft (1,948 m)[1][2]
Prominence1,540 ft (469 m)[2]
Parent peakPeak 6550[2]
Isolation2.8 mi (4.5 km)[2]
Coordinates61°04′13″N 148°50′09″W / 61.07028°N 148.83583°W / 61.07028; -148.83583[1]
Geography
Whitecrown is located in Alaska
Whitecrown
Whitecrown
Location of Whitecrown in Alaska
CountryUnited States
StateAlaska
BoroughAnchorage
Protected areaChugach National Forest
Parent rangeChugach Mountains[1]
Topo mapUSGS Anchorage A-5[2]
Climbing
First ascent2014

Description

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Whitecrown is located 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Girdwood in the Chugach Mountains, on land managed by Chugach National Forest.[1] Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains north to Knik Arm via Knik River and south to Turnagain Arm via the Twentymile River. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the summit rises approximately 4,400 feet (1,341 m) above the headwaters of Twentymile River in 1.5 miles (2.4 km). The first ascent of the summit was made March 22, 2014, by Wayne L. Todd and Carrie Wang via the southeast ridge.[3]

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Climate

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Based on the Köppen climate classification, Whitecrown is located in a tundra climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.[4] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Chugach Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop below −10 °F with wind chill factors below −20 °F. This climate supports unnamed glaciers surrounding the peak. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Whitecrown, Alaska". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Whitecrown - 6,390' AK". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  3. ^ Wayne L. Todd, Peak 4,360', First Ascent; Whitecrown, First Ascent, (2015), publications.americanalpineclub.org, Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  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.
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