| Alabaster Peak | |
| Elevation Ft: | 8065 |
| Elevation Ref: | [1] [2] |
| Prominence Ft: | 815 |
| Prominence Ref: | [3] |
| Isolation Mi: | 1.29 |
| Range: | Chugach Mountains |
| Etymology: | Alabaster |
| Country: | United States |
| State: | Alaska |
| Region: | Matanuska-Susitna |
| Region Type: | Borough |
| Map: | USA Alaska |
| Label Position: | left |
| Coordinates: | 61.665°N -148.135°W |
| Topo: | USGS Anchorage C-4 |
| First Ascent: | 1970 |
| Easiest Route: | North Ridge |
Alabaster Peak is an 8065feet mountain summit located 35 miles (56 km) east of Palmer, in the northern Chugach Mountains of Alaska. This peak of the Matanuska Valley is set midway between Anchorage and Glennallen, and can be seen from the Glenn Highway. It is situated 15 miles (24 km) west of Matanuska Glacier and 1.8miles south of Awesome Peak.[2] Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Coal, Monument, and Gravel creeks, which are tributaries of the Matanuska River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 3065abbr=offNaNabbr=off along the west slope in one mile (1.6 km). The first ascent of the summit was made on July 4, 1970, by Robert Spurr, Bob Pelz, and Royce Purinton via the Spectrum Glacier and North Ridge.[4] [5] This mountain's toponym has not been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names, so it is only marked as "8065" on USGS maps.
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Alabaster Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.[6] 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 0 °F with wind chill factors below −10 °F. This climate supports small unnamed glaciers and permanent snowfields on its slopes. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.