Thar Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thar Peak |
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Thar Peak, northeast aspect
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,940 m (6,360 ft) |
| Prominence | 110 m (360 ft) |
| Parent peak | Nak Peak (2009 m) |
| Geography | |
 Thar Peak
Location in British Columbia
Thar Peak
Location in Canada
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| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | North Cascades |
| Topo map | NTS 92H/11 |
| Type of rock | diorite |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Off-trail hiking via south slope |
Thar Peak is a mountain in British Columbia, Canada. It stands 1,940-metre (6,360-foot) tall. You can find it in the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area. This area is part of the North Cascades mountain range.
Thar Peak is close to the Coquihalla Highway. This makes it a popular spot for skiers in winter. Water from the peak flows into the Coquihalla River. The mountain got its name from the thar. A thar is an animal from the Himalayas. Many nearby peaks also have animal names. The name Thar Peak became official on February 5, 1976.
How Thar Peak Was Formed
Thar Peak and the mountains around it were shaped over millions of years. During the Pleistocene period, huge sheets of ice called glaciers moved across the land. These glaciers carved out the valleys, making them "U"-shaped.
The land also moved up and down due to forces deep within the Earth. This, along with the glaciers, created the tall peaks and deep valleys we see today. The North Cascades have very rugged land. You can see sharp peaks, deep valleys carved by glaciers, and tall rock spires.
Weather at Thar Peak
Thar Peak has a "marine west coast" climate. This means it gets a lot of rain and snow. Most weather comes from the Pacific Ocean. When these weather systems hit the Cascade Range, they are forced upwards. This causes them to drop their moisture as rain or snow.
Because of this, the Cascade Mountains get a lot of precipitation. Winters bring heavy snowfall. Temperatures can get very cold, sometimes below -20°C. With the wind, it can feel even colder. The best time to visit Thar Peak for climbing is usually from July to September.
Ways to Climb Thar Peak
There are a few ways to climb Thar Peak. Some routes are easier, while others are more challenging.
- East Ridge: This route involves off-trail hiking and some easy scrambling.
- South Slope: This is another off-trail hiking route.
- Northeast Face: This is a more difficult climbing route. It was first climbed in 1998.
- North Couloir: This route involves climbing steep snow. It was first climbed in 2005.
