Kings Mountain (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kings Mountain |
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Kings Mountain from the west
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,809 ft (1,771 m) |
| Prominence | 2,009 ft (612 m) |
| Isolation | 2.42 mi (3.89 km) |
| Geography | |
 Kings Mountain
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Matanuska-Susitna Borough Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Chugach Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Anchorage C-5 |
Kings Mountain, also commonly called King Mountain, is a tall mountain in Alaska. It stands about 5,809 feet (1,771 meters) high. This mountain is a famous landmark in the Matanuska Valley. You can find it about 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Palmer, Alaska. It's located in the northwestern part of the Chugach Mountains. The mountain is right along the Glenn Highway, a main road in Alaska.
Naming Kings Mountain
This mountain was named after Al King. He was a prospector, someone who searched for valuable minerals. Al King had a small cabin nearby. It was located where the Kings River meets the Matanuska River. People started calling the mountain "Kings Mountain" after him.
The U.S. Geological Survey, a government group that studies the Earth, reported this name around 1905. The name was officially accepted in 1906 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. This group makes sure places have official names.
Kings Mountain also has names in local Native languages. In the Denaʼina language, it is called Bashtl'ech. In the Ahtna language, it is called Bes Tl'ets. Both of these names mean "black stone."
Climate Around Kings Mountain
Kings Mountain is in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has long, cold, and snowy winters. The summers are usually mild. Weather systems from the Gulf of Alaska bring a lot of moisture. When these systems hit the Chugach Mountains, the air is forced upwards. This process is called orographic lift. It causes heavy rain and snow to fall on the mountain.
Temperatures on Kings Mountain can drop very low. They can go below −4 °F (−20 °C). With the wind chill, it can feel even colder, sometimes below −22 °F (−30 °C). The best time to visit or climb the mountain is usually from May through June. During these months, the weather is often more pleasant. Rain and melted snow from the mountain flow into smaller streams. These streams then join the Matanuska River.
Images for kids
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Kings Mountain from the northeast
