Mount Chitina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Chitina
Aerial view of west aspect
Highest point
Elevation	8,424 ft (2,568 m)
Prominence	474 ft (144 m)
Isolation	2.27 mi (3.65 km) >
Geography
Mount Chitina Location in Alaska
Location	Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Valdez-Cordova Borough Alaska, United States
Parent range	Saint Elias Mountains
Topo map	USGS Bering Glacier D-1
Climbing
First ascent	1988
Easiest route	West ridge

Mount Chitina is a tall mountain in Alaska, United States. It stands 8,424 feet (2,568 meters) high. This impressive peak is part of the Saint Elias Mountains. It is located inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

The mountain is quite remote. It is about 113 miles (182 km) northwest of Yakutat. It is also 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Mount Logan. Mount Chitina rises high above two large glaciers. These are the Chitina Glacier and the Logan Glacier.

Rain and snow from the mountain flow into the Chitina River. This river then joins the larger Copper River. The first people to climb Mount Chitina were Danny Kost and Donnie Hunton. They reached the top on September 24, 1988. They climbed using the mountain's west ridge. The mountain gets its name from the Chitina Glacier. This glacier is found at the base of the mountain's north side. The name first appeared on a map in 1958.

Climate

Mount Chitina has a subarctic climate. This means it has very long, cold, and snowy winters. The summers are usually cool.

Weather systems from the Gulf of Alaska hit the Saint Elias Mountains. The mountains force the air upwards. This process is called orographic lift. It causes a lot of rain and snow to fall on the mountain.

Temperatures can drop very low. They might go below −20 °C. With the wind, it can feel even colder, below −30 °C. The best time to visit or climb Mount Chitina is usually from May through June. The weather is often clearer and more pleasant then.