Benign Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Benign Peak |
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North aspect from frozen Eklutna Lake
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,235 ft (2,205 m) |
| Prominence | 1,735 ft (529 m) |
| Isolation | 2.2 mi (3.5 km) |
| Parent peak | Mount Rumble (7,530 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Benign Peak
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Chugach State Park Anchorage Municipality, Alaska Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Chugach Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Anchorage B-6 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1965 |
| Easiest route | Southeast gully |
Benign Peak is a mountain in Alaska. It stands about 7,235 feet (2,205 meters) tall. This impressive peak is part of the Chugach Mountains. It is located in Chugach State Park.
Benign Peak is found in the Anchorage Municipality. It is about 28 miles (45 km) east of the city of Anchorage. You can also find it about 4.5 miles (7 km) south of Eklutna Lake.
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About Benign Peak
Where is Benign Peak located?
Benign Peak is in the western part of the Chugach Mountains. These mountains are in the U.S. state of Alaska. The mountain is inside Chugach State Park. This park is a popular place for outdoor activities.
The mountain is quite close to other peaks. Mount Rumble is about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to the southwest. The Mitre is about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) to the east-southeast. It sits across the Eklutna Glacier.
How tall is Benign Peak?
Benign Peak rises to 7,235 feet (2,205 meters). Even though it's not the tallest mountain around, it looks very dramatic. Its eastern side rises over 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) from the glacier below. This happens over a distance of only about one mile. This makes it look very steep and impressive.
How did Benign Peak get its name?
Benign Peak got its name in 1965. The Mountaineering Club of Alaska chose the name. They called it "Benign" because it was easier to climb than a nearby mountain. That other mountain was called "Bellicose Peak." "Bellicose" means warlike or aggressive.
The climbers found Benign Peak to be "benign," meaning gentle or kind. The rocks were not too loose, and the weather was usually good. The United States Board on Geographic Names officially adopted the name in 1966.
Who first climbed Benign Peak?
The first time someone successfully climbed to the top of Benign Peak was in August 1965. Two climbers, Art Davidson and John Vincent Hoeman, made this first ascent. They climbed up the East Face of the mountain. After reaching the summit, they descended using the South Gully.
What's the weather like at Benign Peak?
Understanding the climate zone
Benign Peak is in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very long, cold, and snowy winters. The summers are usually mild. This type of climate is common in areas far from the equator.
How does weather form here?
Weather systems often come from the Gulf of Alaska. When these systems reach the Chugach Mountains, the mountains force the air upwards. This process is called orographic lift. As the air rises, it cools down. This cooling causes a lot of rain and snow to fall on the mountains.
What are the temperatures like?
During winter, temperatures can drop very low. It can get colder than −20 °C (−4 °F). With the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below −30 °C (−22 °F).
Where does the water go?
All the rain and snow that falls on Benign Peak eventually melts. This water then flows down the mountain. It drains into Cook Inlet. It reaches the inlet through the Eklutna River and Peters Creek.
