Maynard Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maynard Mountain |
|
|---|---|
Maynard Mountain seen from Portage Lake
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,137 ft (1,261 m) |
| Prominence | 2,038 ft (621 m) |
| Parent peak | Lowell Peak |
| Geography | |
 Maynard Mountain
Location in Alaska
|
|
| Location | Chugach National Forest Anchorage Borough Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Chugach Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Seward D-5 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | South ridge |
Maynard Mountain is a cool mountain in Alaska, standing tall at about 4,137 feet (1,261 meters). It's part of the Chugach Mountains and is found inside the Chugach National Forest. This peak is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) northwest of a town called Whittier, Alaska. It sits on a narrow strip of land, or an isthmus, that connects the Kenai Peninsula to the mainland. Here, the Chugach Mountains meet the Kenai Mountains.
Maynard Mountain is often seen in the background when people visit Portage Lake. This lake is a popular spot for tourists and outdoor fun. A very long tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, goes right through Maynard Mountain. This tunnel is special because it's used by both cars and trains! It's one of the longest combined rail and highway tunnels in North America, stretching about 13,300 feet (4,100 meters).
Contents
Maynard Mountain: A Cool Alaskan Peak
What is Maynard Mountain?
Maynard Mountain might not be the tallest mountain around, but it's still very impressive. Its eastern side rises sharply from the water of Prince William Sound's Passage Canal. This means you can see a huge change in height over a short distance, which is called relief.
Other peaks nearby include Bard Peak to the south and Begich Peak to the west-northwest. Even though it's not the highest, its dramatic rise from the water makes it a striking sight.
How Maynard Mountain Got Its Name
This mountain was named to honor a brave man named Robert L. Maynard. He was an Army helicopter pilot. His friend, Chief Warrant Officer Robert G. Warns, US Army, suggested the name.
Robert L. Maynard tragically died on April 27, 1964. His helicopter crashed on the nearby Portage Glacier. He was helping people after the huge Good Friday earthquake. His flight was part of an effort called "Helping Hand." They were moving people and supplies from Anchorage to the Port of Whittier. The name "Maynard Mountain" was officially accepted on November 9, 1965, by the United States Geological Survey.
Weather and Nature Around Maynard Mountain
Maynard Mountain is in a cold climate zone. This means it has long, cold, and snowy winters, but its summers are mild. Weather systems from the Gulf of Alaska hit the Chugach Mountains. This forces the air upwards, causing a lot of rain and snow to fall. This process is called orographic lift.
Temperatures can get very cold, sometimes dropping below −20 °C (that's −4 °F). With the wind, it can feel even colder, below −30 °C (−22 °F). Because of this cold weather, there is always ice on the mountain slopes. There's even a glacier called the Learnard Glacier on the northeast side of the mountain. If you want to climb or just enjoy the views, the best time to visit is usually from May through June.
