Cirque Peak (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cirque Peak |
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Cirque Peak, western aspect
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,531 m (8,304 ft) |
| Prominence | 476 m (1,562 ft) |
| Parent peak | Mount Oleg (2587 m) |
| Listing | Mountains of British Columbia |
| Geography | |
 Cirque Peak
Location in British Columbia
Cirque Peak
Location in Canada
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| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | Cayoosh Range Lillooet Ranges Coast Mountains |
| Topo map | NTS 92J7 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scramble |
Cirque Peak is a tall mountain in British Columbia, Canada. It stands 2,531 meters (about 8,304 feet) high! This mountain is part of the Cayoosh Range, which is a group of mountains within the larger Lillooet Ranges. It's located in southwestern British Columbia, not too far from the town of Pemberton.
The name "Cirque Peak" comes from the word "cirque". A cirque is a bowl-shaped hollow often found on mountainsides. It's like a giant natural amphitheater carved by glaciers! A mountaineer named Karl Ricker from the Alpine Club of Canada suggested this name because of the mountain's shape. The name became official on January 23, 1979. Water from the peak flows into rivers that eventually join the Fraser River.
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Understanding Cirque Peak's Weather
Cirque Peak is in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Most of the weather in this area comes from the Pacific Ocean.
How Mountains Affect Weather
When weather systems move from the Pacific Ocean, they hit the Coast Mountains. The mountains force the air to rise. As the air goes higher, it cools down and drops its moisture. This causes a lot of rain or snow, especially in winter. This process is called orographic lift.
Temperatures and Best Time to Visit
Because of the cold climate, temperatures on Cirque Peak can drop very low. They can be colder than -20°C (which is -4°F). With the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30°C (-22°F). If you want to climb Cirque Peak, the best time to go is usually from July through September. The weather is much better during these months.
Climbing Cirque Peak
Climbing Cirque Peak is an exciting adventure. There are a few known ways to reach the top.
Popular Climbing Routes
- East Face Gully
- North Ridge via Place Glacier - This route is rated as class 3, which means it involves some basic rock climbing.
