Royal Tower (Alaska)
Description
Royal Tower is located 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Talkeetna in Denali National Park and the Alaska Range. It is set 7.46 mi (12 km) south of Avalanche Spire and 26 mi (42 km) south of Denali in an area known as Little Switzerland. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over 2,600 feet (792 meters) above the Pika Glacier in 0.4 mile (0.64 km). Precipitation runoff and glacial meltwater from the mountain drains to the Kahiltna River. The first ascent of the summit was made July 19–20, 1976, by Brian Okonek, Roger Robinson, and Ken Cook via the east face and northeast ridge.
Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Royal Tower is located in a tundra climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers. Weather systems are forced upwards by the Alaska Range (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop below −10 °F with wind chill factors below −20 °F. This climate supports the Kahiltna Glacier west of the peak and smaller unnamed glaciers surrounding the peak. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing.
See also
References
- ^ Michael Wood and Colby Holmes, Alaska: A Climbing Guide, The Mountaineers Books, 2001, page 71.
- ^ "Royal Tower, Alaska". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
- ^ "Royal Tower - 8,130' AK". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
- ^ Brian Okonek, North America, United States, Alaska, Peaks in "Little Switzerland", American Alpine Journal, 1978, publications.americanalpineclub.org
- ^ 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
- Royal Tower rock climbing: Mountainproject.com
- Royal Tower (photo): Mountainproject.com
