Mount Degenhardt

Mount Degenhardt, elevation 8,000+ ft (2,440+ m), is a mountain peak in the Picket Range in the U.S. state of Washington and within North Cascades National Park.[4] Located in the northern section of the park, Mount Degenhardt is .30 mi (0.48 km) southeast of Mount Terror, .28 mi (0.45 km) west of Inspiration Peak. and .75 mi (1.21 km) west of McMillan Spire. Mount Degenhardt is named after William Degenhardt, an early 20th century mountain climber. The Terror Glacier lies on the southeast slopes of Mount Degenhardt.

Mount Degenhardt
In background left to right, Mouth Terror, Mount Degenhardt, The Pyramid, Inspiration Peak and the McMillan Spires
Highest point
Elevation8,000+ ft (2,440+ m) [1]
Prominence280 ft (90 m) [1]
Coordinates48°46′17″N 121°17′35″W [2]
Geography
Mount Degenhardt
Location in Washington
Mount Degenhardt
Location in the United States
LocationWhatcom County, Washington, U.S.
Parent rangeCascade Range
Topo mapUSGS Mount Challenger
Climbing
First ascent1931 by William Degenhardt and Herbert Strandberg[3]
Mount Degenhardt seen from north side and centered between Inspiration Peak on left and Mount Terror on right

Climate

Mount Degenhardt is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[3] 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.[3] 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).[3] 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.[3] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[3]

Geology

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks, 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.

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch.[5] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[5] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[5]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[5] 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.

Degenhardt is highest point centered
  1. "Mount Degenhardt, Washington". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  2. "Mount Degenhardt". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  3. Beckey, Fred W. (1996). Cascade alpine guide, Volume 3: Rainy Pass to Fraser River (2nd ed.).
  4. Mount Challenger, WA (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  5. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.


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