Whatcom Peak

Whatcom Peak (7,574 feet (2,309 m)) is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington.[3] Whatcom Peak is .50 mi (0.80 km) north of Challenger Glacier and the Whatcom Glacier descends from the northeast slopes of the peak. An unnamed hanging glacier descends along the northwest flank of the peak.[4] This mountain is set between Mount Challenger and Easy Peak.

Whatcom Peak
North aspect
Highest point
Elevation7,574 ft (2,309 m) [1]
Prominence1,294 ft (394 m) [1]
Coordinates48°51′22″N 121°22′57″W [2]
Geography
Whatcom Peak
Whatcom Peak
Whatcom Peak (the United States)
Parent rangeCascade Range
Topo mapUSGS Mount Challenger
Climbing
First ascent1936 Fred Berry, Lawrence Buchanen

Climate

Whatcom Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[5] 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 (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.[5] 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).[5] 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.[6] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[6]

Geology

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks, spires, ridges, and deep glacial valleys. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences.

Whatcom Peak seen from Brush Creek Trail

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch.[7] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[7] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[7]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[7] 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.

References
  1. "Whatcom Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  2. "Whatcom Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  3. Mount Challenger, WA (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  4. Beckey, Fred (2008). Cascade Alpine Guide: Climbing and High Routes Rainy Pass to Fraser River. The Mountaineers Books. p. 122. ISBN 978-1594851360.
  5. Beckey, p. 15
  6. Beckey, p. 16
  7. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
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