Guardian Mountain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Guardian Mountain
Aerial view of north aspect
Highest point
Elevation	5,060 ft (1,540 m)
Prominence	1,060 ft (320 m)
Isolation	2.39 mi (3.85 km)
Parent peak	Slanting Peak
Geography
Guardian Mountain Location in Alaska
Location	Tongass National Forest Juneau Borough Alaska, United States
Parent range	Coast Mountains Boundary Ranges Juneau Icefield
Topo map	USGS Juneau C-1

Guardian Mountain is a tall mountain in Alaska, United States. It stands about 5,060 ft (1,540 m) high. This mountain is covered in ice and snow, making it a "glaciated" peak. It is part of the Boundary Ranges, which are a section of the larger Coast Mountains.

The mountain is located in the southern part of the Juneau Icefield. This is a huge area of ice and glaciers. Guardian Mountain is about 15 mi (24 km) northeast of the city of Juneau. It is also 2.4 mi (4 km) southwest of Slanting Peak, which is a nearby taller mountain.

Guardian Mountain is a special type of peak called a nunatak. This means it's a mountain that sticks up out of a glacier. It is surrounded by the Norris Glacier. The land around the mountain is managed by the Tongass National Forest. The name "Guardian Mountain" was officially recognized in 1960 by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Understanding Guardian Mountain's Climate

Guardian Mountain is located in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very long, cold, and snowy winters. The summers are usually cool.

How Weather Forms Around the Mountain

Weather systems often move in from the Gulf of Alaska. When these systems hit the tall Coast Mountains, they are forced to rise. This process is called orographic lift. As the air rises, it cools down, leading to a lot of rain and snow falling on the mountains.

Temperatures and Best Time to Visit

Temperatures on Guardian Mountain can drop very low, sometimes below −20 °C. With the wind, it can feel even colder, below −30 °C. The best time to see or climb Guardian Mountain is in July. This month usually has the most pleasant weather.

Images for kids

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  Looking south at Guardian Mountain at bottom of frame

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  Aerial from northwest

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  Guardian Mountain