Stevens Peak
Stevens Peak is a 6,560-foot (2,000-metre) mountain summit in the Tatoosh Range which is a sub-range of the Cascade Range. It's located in Mount Rainier National Park, one mile east of Unicorn Peak. The name honors Hazard Stevens[2] who made the first documented ascent of Mount Rainier along with P. B. Van Trump on August 17, 1870. The mountain's name was officially adopted in 1913.[3] Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Cowlitz River.
Stevens Peak | |
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Stevens Peak east aspect from Stevens Canyon Road | |
Highest point | |
Elevation | 6,560 ft (2,000 m) [1] |
Prominence | 760 ft (230 m) [1] |
Coordinates | 46°44′46″N 121°40′37″W |
Geography | |
Stevens Peak Location in Washington | |
Location | Mount Rainier National Park Lewis County, Washington, U.S. |
Parent range | Cascades |
Topo map | USGS Tatoosh Lakes |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Scrambling |
Climate
Stevens Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[2] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and 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 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.[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] 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] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[2]
References
- "Stevens Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
- Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
- "Stevens Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2019-07-06.
External links
- National Park Service web site: Mount Rainier National Park
- Weather forecast: Stevens Peak