Austera Peak

Austera Peak (8,339 feet (2,542 m)) is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington.[3] Located in the south unit of the park, Austera Peak is about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of Klawatti Peak and the same distance south of Primus Peak. The North Klawatti Glacier, Klawatti Glacier and the north section of McAllister Glacier all descend from the slopes of Austera Peak. Austera Peak is the highpoint along an arête known as Austera Towers.[3]

Austera Peak
Austera Peak, Austera Towers, McAllister Glacier
Highest point
Elevation	8,339 ft (2,542 m)  NAVD 88[1]
Prominence	414 ft (126 m) [1]
Coordinates	48°34′06″N 121°06′05″W [2]
Geography
Austera Peak Location in Washington Show map of Washington (state) Austera Peak Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Skagit County, Washington, U.S.
Parent range	Cascade Range
Topo map	USGS Forbidden Peak

Climate

Austera Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[4] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach the North Cascades, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range, 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.[4] 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).[4] 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] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[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 various climate differences.

Austera centered with Primus Peak upper left

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 are 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.

One of many spires and towers near Austera

References

1. "Austera Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
2. "Austera Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
3. Forbidden Peak, WA (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved July 21, 2013.
4. Beckey, p. 15
5. Beckey, p. 16
6. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.