Observation Peak (Alaska) Explained

Observation Peak
Elevation Ft:4931
Elevation Ref:[1]
Prominence Ft:962
Prominence Ref:[2]
Isolation Mi:3.68
Range:Coast Mountains
Boundary Ranges
Juneau Icefield
Parent Peak:Split Thumb (5,523 ft)
Country:United States
State:Alaska
Region:Juneau
Region Type:Borough
Part Type:Protected area
Part:Tongass National Forest
Map:USA Alaska
Label Position:left
Coordinates:58.3555°N -134.3406°W
Coordinates Ref:[3]
Topo:USGS Juneau B-2
Age:Late Cretaceous
Rock:Granitic
Volcanic Arc/Belt:Coast Range Arc

Observation Peak is a 4931feet mountain summit located in the Boundary Ranges of the Coast Mountains, in the U.S. state of Alaska. The peak is situated 4.5miles northeast of Juneau along the southern periphery of the Juneau Icefield, on land managed by Tongass National Forest. Precipitation runoff and glacial meltwater from the mountain drains to Gastineau Channel via Lemon and Salmon creeks, whereas the southeast slope drains to Taku Inlet via Carlson Creek. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the summit rises over 3,700 feet (1,128 m) above Salmon Creek Reservoir in 1.6miles.[4] This peak's local name was published in 1962 by the U.S. Geological Survey and the toponym has been officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.[3]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Observation Peak is located in a subpolar oceanic climate zone, with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.[5] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Coast 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 the Lemon Creek Glacier on the north slope of the peak.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. 37776. Observation Peak, Alaska. 2024-02-19.
  2. Web site: Observation Peak - 4,931' AK. listsofjohn.com. 2024-02-19.
  3. 1407407. Observation Peak. 2024-02-19.
  4. Donald J. Orth, Dictionary of Alaska Place Names, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1967, page 714.
  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 . 5 . 1633 . 10.5194/hess-11-1633-2007 . 2007HESS...11.1633P . 1027-5606. free .