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Odaray Mountain facts for kids

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Odaray Mountain
Lake O Hara Early Morning Reflection (173874897).jpeg
Odaray Mountain reflected in Lake O'Hara
Highest point
Elevation 3,137 m (10,292 ft)
Prominence 627 m (2,057 ft)
Parent peak Mount Stephen (3200 m)
Listing Mountains of British Columbia
Geography
Odaray Mountain is located in British Columbia
Odaray Mountain
Odaray Mountain
Location in British Columbia
Odaray Mountain is located in Canada
Odaray Mountain
Odaray Mountain
Location in Canada
Location British Columbia, Canada
Parent range Canadian Rockies
Topo map NTS 82N08
Geology
Age of rock Cambrian
Type of rock shale, limestone
Climbing
First ascent 1887 by James J. McArthur (solo)
Easiest route Scrambling

Odaray Mountain is a tall peak, about 3,137 meters (10,292 feet) high. It stands proudly west of Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park, which is part of the amazing Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, Canada. The closest taller mountain is Mount Huber, about 3.86 kilometers (2.4 miles) to the east.

If you wanted to climb Odaray Mountain, the usual path follows the southeast glacier and ridge. This route often starts from the Elizabeth Parker hut, a popular spot for hikers. The name "Odaray" sounds like "ode array."

Discovering Odaray Mountain: A Look at Its History

The first time someone officially climbed Odaray Mountain was in 1887. A person named James J. McArthur made this climb all by himself. He gave the mountain the name Odaray. This name comes from the Stoney language and means "many waterfalls."

However, there are other stories about how the mountain got its name. Some say it was named in 1894 by Samuel Evans Stokes Allen. He supposedly named it after a Stoney Indian word for "cone."

It's also possible that McArthur only climbed a smaller peak nearby. This peak, about 2,965 meters (9,728 feet) high, is now called Little Odaray. It is located southeast of the true summit. The mountain's current name, Odaray Mountain, became official in 1952. This happened when the Geographical Names Board of Canada decided to remove the older name, Mount Odaray.

Understanding Odaray Mountain's Geology

Odaray Mountain is made up of sedimentary rock. This type of rock forms from layers of mud, sand, and tiny bits of plants and animals that settle over time. These layers were laid down during very long periods in Earth's history, from the Precambrian to the Jurassic times.

These rocks formed in shallow seas that once covered the area. Later, during a major mountain-building event called the Laramide orogeny, these sedimentary rocks were pushed up. They moved east and even slid over younger rocks, creating the mountain shapes we see today.

Climate Around Odaray Mountain

Odaray Mountain is located in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very cold and snowy winters. The summers are usually mild. Temperatures can often drop below −20 °C (−4 °F). With the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below −30 °C (−22 °F).

The water from rain and melting snow on Odaray Mountain flows into small streams. These streams eventually join the Kicking Horse River. The Kicking Horse River is a larger river that then flows into the Columbia River.

Lake O'Hara Yoho National Park
Odaray (upper left) and Lake O'Hara
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