Amulet Peak | |
Elevation Ft: | 8290 |
Elevation Ref: | [1] |
Prominence Ft: | 1870 |
Isolation Mi: | 3.33 |
Range: | Chugach Mountains |
Location: | Matanuska-Susitna Borough Alaska, United States |
Map: | USA Alaska |
Label Position: | left |
Coordinates: | 61.7083°N -148.0325°W |
Topo: | USGS Anchorage C-3 |
First Ascent: | 1968 |
Easiest Route: | South ridge |
Amulet Peak is a prominent 82900NaN0 elevation mountain summit located 390NaN0 east-northeast of Palmer, in the northern Chugach Mountains of the U.S. state of Alaska. This landmark of the Matanuska Valley is set midway between Anchorage and Glennallen, at mile 94 of the Glenn Highway. It is situated 120NaN0 west of Matanuska Glacier, and 3.70NaN0 northeast of Awesome Peak, its nearest higher neighbor.[1] Established climbing routes on this peak include the east and south ridges, as well as the north face which is the most difficult and dangerous.[2] The first ascent of this peak was made in 1968 by John Vincent Hoeman, his wife Grace Hoeman, and William Babcock, via the south ridge.[3]
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Amulet Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild 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. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. 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. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Monument and Gravel Creeks, which are tributaries of the Matanuska River.