Mount Alexandra (Canada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Alexandra |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 3,401 m (11,158 ft) |
Prominence | 241 m (791 ft) |
Parent peak | Mount Lyell (3498 m) |
Listing | Mountains of Alberta Mountains of British Columbia |
Geography | |
Country | Canada |
Parent range | Canadian Rockies |
Topo map | NTS 82N/14 |
Geology | |
Type of rock | Sedimentary |
Climbing | |
First ascent | 1902 James Outram, Christian Kaufmann |
Mount Alexandra is a tall mountain, about 3,401 meters (11,158 feet) high. It sits right on the border between the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. This mountain is part of the amazing Canadian Rockies mountain range.
The first time someone successfully climbed to the top was in 1902. This was done by a climber named James Outram and his guide, Christian Kaufmann. James Outram named the mountain in 1902. He named it after Alexandra of Denmark, who was a queen.
Mountain Rocks and How They Formed
Like other mountains in Banff National Park, Mount Alexandra is made of a type of rock called sedimentary rock. This rock formed over millions of years from tiny bits of sand, mud, and shells that settled at the bottom of ancient shallow seas.
These layers of rock were laid down during different time periods, from the very old Precambrian era to the Jurassic period. Later, a huge event called the Laramide orogeny happened. This was when powerful forces pushed the Earth's crust. It caused these rock layers to fold and lift, creating the tall mountains we see today.
Weather and Climate
Mount Alexandra is located in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very cold and snowy winters. The summers are usually mild.
Temperatures in winter can drop below -20 °C (which is -4 °F). With the wind blowing, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30 °C (-22 °F). This makes climbing in winter very challenging!