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Columbia Peak (Alaska) facts for kids

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Columbia Peak
Columbia Peak near Valdez.jpg
Columbia Peak from Prince William Sound
Highest point
Elevation 9,489 ft (2,892 m)
Prominence 2,189 ft (667 m)
Isolation 3.9 mi (6.3 km)
Parent peak Mount Einstein (11,552 ft)
Geography
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Location Chugach National Forest
Valdez-Cordova Borough
Alaska, United States
Parent range Chugach Mountains
Topo map USGS Anchorage A-1

Columbia Peak is a 9,489-foot (2,892 m) elevation glaciated summit located 32 mi (51 km) northwest of Valdez in the Chugach Mountains of the U.S. state of Alaska. This remote mountain is situated 2.5 mi (4 km) west-southwest of Mount Defiant, near the head of Meares Glacier, between the First Branch and Second Branch Columbia Glacier, on land managed by Chugach National Forest. Columbia Peak is named in association with the Columbia Glacier, which in turn was named after Columbia University, and is one of several glaciers in the area named for elite U.S. colleges by the Harriman Alaska expedition in 1899. The mountain's local name was reported in 1906 by the United States Geological Survey.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Columbia 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. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. This climate supports the Meares and Columbia Glaciers surrounding this mountain. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.

Mount Einstein centered
Columbia Peak in upper right corner of frame behind Mount Grosvenor

Images for kids

  • Mount Einstein centered

    Columbia Peak in upper right corner of frame behind Mount Grosvenor

  • Columbia Glacier and Meares Glacier, Valley Glacier Head, August 24, 1964 (crop)

    Columbia Peak (centered) from the northwest

  • Columbia Peak bullseye

    Columbia Peak (centered) with Great Nunatak in lower right. (from the south)

  • Columbia Peak by Austin Post

    Aerial from SW with Columbia Peak centered. Mount Einstein in upper left.

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Columbia Peak (Alaska) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.