Tazlina Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tazlina Tower |
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Aerial view from the west
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,350 ft (2,550 m) |
| Prominence | 1,700 ft (520 m) |
| Isolation | 5.2 mi (8.4 km) |
| Parent peak | Mount Powder Top |
| Geography | |
 Tazlina Tower
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Chugach National Forest Valdez-Cordova Borough Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Chugach Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Valdez B-8 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Mountaineering |
Tazlina Tower is a tall mountain peak in Alaska, United States. It stands about 8,350-foot (2,545 m) (2,545 meters) high. This mountain is covered in glaciers, which are like huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. It is located about 26 mi (42 km) northwest of a town called Valdez.
Tazlina Tower is part of the Chugach Mountains, a large mountain range in Alaska. It's a remote place, meaning it's far away from cities and towns. The mountain is found near the start of the Tazlina Glacier. The land around it is managed by the Chugach National Forest, which helps protect its natural beauty.
The mountain was named in 1959 by Lawrence E. Nielsen. He was part of an expedition exploring the Chugach Mountains. The name "Tazlina" comes from the local Ahtna language. The word "tezlina" means "swift river," and it also gives its name to the nearby glacier, Tazlina Lake, and Tazlina River. The name for Tazlina Tower was officially accepted in 1965 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
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What is the Climate Like at Tazlina Tower?
Tazlina Tower has a subarctic climate. This means it has very long, cold winters with lots of snow. The summers are usually mild, not too hot.
How Does Weather Affect the Mountain?
Weather systems from the Gulf of Alaska often hit the Chugach Mountains. When this happens, the mountains force the air upwards. This process, called orographic lift, causes a lot of rain and snow to fall on the mountains.
What are the Temperatures Like?
Temperatures at Tazlina Tower can drop very low, sometimes below −20 °C (which is about -4 °F). With the wind chill, it can feel even colder, below −30 °C (-22 °F). This cold climate helps keep the Tazlina Glacier and the huge Columbia Glacier frozen around the mountain.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit or climb Tazlina Tower is usually from May through June. During these months, the weather is often more favorable, making it safer and more enjoyable to explore the area.
