Kaskawulsh Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kaskawulsh Mountain |
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Kaskawulsh Mountain centered between merging arms of the Kaskawulsh Glacier
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,969 m (9,741 ft) |
| Prominence | 509 m (1,670 ft) |
| Parent peak | GJ43 (3060 m) |
| Geography | |
 Kaskawulsh Mountain
Location in Yukon
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| Location | Yukon, Canada |
| Parent range | Saint Elias Mountains |
| Topo map | NTS 115.B.10 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Mountaineering |
Kaskawulsh Mountain is a tall peak in the Saint Elias Mountains of Yukon, Canada. It stands at about 2,969-metre (9,741-foot) high. This mountain is special because it's surrounded by ice and glaciers on all sides. It's located inside Kluane National Park, a huge protected area known for its amazing wilderness.
About Kaskawulsh Mountain
Kaskawulsh Mountain is a very impressive peak. It's almost 3,000 meters (about 9,700 feet) tall! This mountain is part of the Saint Elias Mountains, which are some of the highest mountains in North America.
It's completely surrounded by large sheets of ice called glaciers. The main part of the Kaskawulsh Glacier meets its south arm right where the mountain stands. Other glaciers like the Stairway Glacier and Atrypa Glacier are also nearby.
You can't see Kaskawulsh Mountain from any roads. But you can spot it if you fly over the area. You can also see it by hiking to the top of Observation Mountain. This smaller mountain is located at the start of the Slims River valley. The closest higher peak is called GJ43, which is about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) to the west.
Mountain's History and Name
The name kaskawulsh comes from the Kaska Dena, who are a group of native people in the area. In 1890, a British explorer named Edward J. Glave first wrote down the name as Kaska Wurlch. He used it for a river north of Yakutat Bay.
Today, the Alsek River is what was once known as the Kaska Wurlch. The Kaskawulsh River we know today is actually a smaller river that flows into the Alsek River. The mountain's name, Kaskawulsh Mountain, was officially recognized in 1981 by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.
Climate Around the Mountain
Kaskawulsh Mountain is located in a polar climate zone. This means the area has very cold and snowy winters. The summers are usually mild, not too hot. This type of climate is part of what scientists call the Köppen climate classification.
