Mount Prestley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Prestley |
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|---|---|
Mount Prestley, west aspect
(Gimli Peak to right) |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,732 m (8,963 ft) |
| Prominence | 362 m (1,188 ft) |
| Parent peak | Midgard Peak (2807 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Valhalla Provincial Park<49 |
| Parent range | Valhalla Ranges Selkirk Mountains |
| coordinates_ref = | topo = NTS 82F13 | rock = | age = | first_ascent = August 6, 1969 by Iain Martin, Peter Renz, Frank Tarver | easiest_route = Scrambling class 4 }}
Mount Prestley is a tall mountain located in British Columbia, Canada. It stands 2,732 meters (about 8,963 feet) high and has three main peaks. This impressive mountain is part of the Valhalla Ranges, which are found within the larger Selkirk Mountains.
The mountain is situated right on the southern edge of Valhalla Provincial Park. It is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of the town of Slocan and Slocan Lake. Mount Prestley is the eighth-highest peak in the Valhalla Ranges. The very highest point in this range is Gladsheim Peak, which is about 4.6 kilometers (2.9 miles) to the east-northeast. The closest mountain that is taller than Mount Prestley is Midgard Peak, located about 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) to the east.
The name "Mount Prestley" was officially chosen on January 24, 1962. It was named to honor a brave Canadian soldier, Private Michael Thomas Patrick Prestley. He was from Nelson, British Columbia, and served with The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. Sadly, he was killed in action during World War II on July 22, 1944, when he was just 21 years old.
Mountain Climate and Best Times to Visit
Mount Prestley experiences a subarctic climate. This means it has very cold and snowy winters. Temperatures can drop below -20 °C (-4 °F), and with the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30 °C (-22 °F).
The summers are usually mild. If you are interested in climbing Mount Prestley, the best time to visit is during the months of July, August, and September. During these months, the weather is generally more favorable for outdoor activities. The water from rain and melting snow on the mountain flows into streams that eventually join the Slocan River.
Climbing Mount Prestley
For those who enjoy mountain climbing, there are established paths to reach the top of Mount Prestley. These paths are known as climbing routes.
Popular Climbing Routes
- East Ridge: This route was first climbed in 1969. It is rated as a class 4 difficulty, which means it involves some challenging scrambling where you might need to use your hands for balance and pulling yourself up.
- Central West Ridge: This is another known route for climbers attempting to reach the summit of Mount Prestley.
