Norris Mountain (Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norris Mountain |
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 Norris Mountain
Location in Montana
Norris Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,887 ft (2,709 m) |
| Prominence | 1,282 ft (391 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Flathead County, Montana, Glacier County, Montana, U.S. |
| Parent range | Lewis Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Stimson, MT |
Norris Mountain is a tall peak in Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.. It stands at 8,887 feet (2,709 m) high. This mountain is special because it sits right on the Continental Divide. It is also very close to Triple Divide Peak. Triple Divide Peak is a unique spot where water flows to three different oceans.
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Norris Mountain: A Special Peak
Norris Mountain is found in the Lewis Range within Glacier National Park. It is one of many impressive mountains in this wild area. Its height makes it a notable landmark. The mountain is named after a person, but its main fame comes from its location. It is very close to a truly unique spot.
Close to Triple Divide Peak
Just 0.8 miles (1.3 km) east-southeast of Norris Mountain is Triple Divide Peak. This nearby peak is incredibly important. It marks the spot where water from North America splits. This water then travels to three different oceans.
Glacier National Park: A Natural Wonder
Norris Mountain is located inside Glacier National Park. This park is a huge protected area in Montana. It is known for its rugged mountains and deep valleys. The park also has many beautiful lakes and forests. It is a popular place for hiking and exploring.
Home to Wildlife
Glacier National Park is home to many wild animals. You can find grizzly bears and mountain goats there. Elk and bighorn sheep also live in the park. It is a very important place for wildlife conservation. The park helps protect these animals and their homes.
The Lewis Range: A Mountain Chain
Norris Mountain is part of the Lewis Range. A mountain range is a group of mountains connected together. The Lewis Range stretches through parts of Montana. It is a major subrange of the Rocky Mountains. This range has many high peaks and dramatic landscapes.
Formed Over Millions of Years
The mountains in the Lewis Range were formed a long time ago. They were created by powerful forces within the Earth. These forces pushed up the land, forming huge peaks. Over millions of years, glaciers and weather shaped them. This created the stunning views we see today.
The Continental Divide: North America's Water Split
Norris Mountain sits on the Continental Divide. This is like a giant imaginary line across North America. It separates the continent into two main parts. Water on one side flows to the Atlantic Ocean. Water on the other side flows to the Pacific Ocean.
How the Divide Works
Imagine a raindrop falling on Norris Mountain. If it lands on the east side, its water will eventually reach the Atlantic Ocean. If it lands on the west side, it will flow towards the Pacific Ocean. The Continental Divide is the highest point that causes this split.
Triple Divide Peak: Where Three Oceans Meet
Triple Divide Peak is very close to Norris Mountain. It is a truly special place on the Continental Divide. Most of the Divide splits water into two directions. But at Triple Divide Peak, water flows in three directions.
Three Ocean Basins
From Triple Divide Peak, water can flow to three different ocean basins:
- The Arctic Ocean
- The Atlantic Ocean
- The Pacific Ocean
This makes Triple Divide Peak one of the few places in the world where this happens. It shows how interconnected the Earth's water systems are.
