Lowell Peak (Chugach Mountains)
Description
Lowell Peak is located three miles (5 km) north of Whittier, Alaska, in the Chugach Mountains, on land managed by Chugach National Forest. Nearby peaks include Maynard Mountain two miles (3 km) to the southwest, and Boggs Peak, four miles (6 km) to the west-northwest. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the summit rises over 4,700 feet (1,433 m) above tidewater of Passage Canal in approximately 1.5 mi (2 km). The mountain is unofficially named in association with the officially named Lowell Glacier on the north slope of the mountain which was named in 1915 by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey after poet James Russell Lowell (1819–1891).
Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Lowell Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers. 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 −10 °F with wind chill factors below −20 °F. This climate supports the Learnard Glacier on the southwest slope and Lowell Glacier on the north slope. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.
Gallery
See also
References
- ^ "Lowell Peak, Alaska". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ^ "Lowell Peak, Peakvisor.com". Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ^ "Lowell Glacier". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ^ Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN 1027-5606.
External links
- Lowell Peak weather forecast