Mount Priestley (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Priestley |
|
---|---|
![]() Mount Priestley North Face and East Ridge route
|
|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 2,366 m (7,762 ft) |
Prominence | 1,945 m (6,381 ft) |
Listing | |
Geography | |
Parent range | Coast Mountains |
Topo map | NTS 103/P02 |
Climbing | |
First ascent | June 20, 2017 (John Gill, Jordan Craven, Drew Copeland) |
Easiest route | East Ridge ("The Steven") |
Mount Priestley is a majestic mountain located in the Kitimat Ranges. These ranges are part of the larger Coast Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. It stands tall at 2,366 meters (about 7,762 feet) above sea level. This makes it a very impressive natural landmark.
Mount Priestley is also known for its high topographic prominence. This means it rises very sharply from the land around it. Its prominence is 1,945 meters (about 6,381 feet). Because of this, it's considered one of Canada's special "ultra-prominent peaks."
Contents
What Makes Mount Priestley Special?
Mount Priestley is not just a tall mountain. It's also quite unique because of how much it stands out. When you look at a mountain, its elevation tells you how high its peak is from sea level. Mount Priestley's elevation is 2,366 meters.
Understanding Prominence
Prominence is a bit different. It measures how high a mountain rises from the lowest point connecting it to any higher peak. Think of it like this: if you were to walk from Mount Priestley to a taller mountain, the lowest point you'd have to cross is what determines its prominence. Mount Priestley has a very high prominence of 1,945 meters.
Ultra-Prominent Peaks Explained
Mountains with a prominence of 1,500 meters (about 4,921 feet) or more are called "ultra-prominent peaks." These mountains are often very isolated and impressive. They stand alone and dominate the landscape around them. Mount Priestley is one of Canada's 44 ultra-prominent peaks.
Exploring Mount Priestley's Location
Mount Priestley is found in the beautiful and rugged Coast Mountains of British Columbia. This mountain range stretches along the Pacific coast. It is known for its vast glaciers, deep fjords, and towering peaks.
The Kitimat Ranges
Specifically, Mount Priestley is part of the Kitimat Ranges. These ranges are a sub-range of the Coast Mountains. They are located in the northern part of British Columbia. This area is wild and remote, with stunning natural beauty.
Getting to the Mountain
The mountain's exact location can be pinpointed using geographic coordinates. These are like a precise address for any spot on Earth. Mount Priestley is located at 55°13′46″N latitude and 128°52′20″W longitude. This helps climbers and explorers find their way.
First Ascent and Climbing Routes
Even though Mount Priestley is a very tall and prominent mountain, it was only first climbed quite recently. The first successful climb happened on June 20, 2017.
The Pioneer Climbers
Three skilled climbers made this historic first ascent. They were Drew Copeland, John Gill, and Jordan Craven. It takes a lot of planning, skill, and courage to be the first to reach the top of a challenging mountain like Mount Priestley.
The Easiest Way Up
For those who want to climb Mount Priestley today, the easiest known route is called the "East Ridge." It is also known as "The Steven." This route offers the most straightforward path to the summit. Climbing mountains like Mount Priestley requires special training, equipment, and experience.