Black Mountain (Alaska) Explained

Black Mountain
Elevation Ft:5891
Elevation Ref:[1] [2]
Prominence Ft:1548
Isolation Mi:4.2
Range:Alsek Ranges
Saint Elias Mountains
Location:Glacier Bay National Park
Hoonah-Angoon
Alaska, United States
Map:USA Alaska
Label Position:left
Coordinates:59.1153°N -136.1217°W
Topo:USGS Skagway A-3
Easiest Route:North slope[3]

Black Mountain is a prominent 5,891 foot (1,796 meter) mountain summit located in the Alsek Ranges of the Saint Elias Mountains, in southeast Alaska.[4] The mountain is situated in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 750NaN0 northwest of Juneau, between the Riggs and McBride glaciers. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing Black Mountain. Weather permitting, Black Mountain can be seen from Muir Inlet of Glacier Bay, which is a popular destination for cruise ships.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Black Mountain has a subarctic climate with cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.[5] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Saint Elias 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 the Riggs Glacier below the west slopes, and McBride Glacier to the east.

See also

Notes and References

  1. 615. Black Mountain, Alaska. 2020-02-08.
  2. https://listsofjohn.com/peak/187067 Black Mountain AK, listsofjohn.com
  3. 27489. Black Mountain. 2020-02-08.
  4. 1420480. Black Mountain. 2020-02-08.
  5. Peel, M. C. . Finlayson, B. L. . McMahon, T. A. . 2007 . Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification . Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. . 11 . 1027-5606.