Virginia Peak (Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Virginia Peak |
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 Virginia Peak
Location in Nevada
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,370 ft (2,551 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 3,642 ft (1,110 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Washoe County, Nevada, U.S. |
| Parent range | Pah Rah Range |
| Topo map | USGS PAH RAH MTN |
Virginia Peak is a tall mountain located in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. It's the highest point in the Pah Rah Range, a mountain chain in western Nevada. This peak is also very important because it's the most "prominent" mountain in Washoe County. This means it stands out a lot from the land around it.
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About Virginia Peak
Virginia Peak reaches an elevation of 8,370 feet (2,551 meters) above sea level. It's part of the Pah Rah Range, which is a smaller mountain range within the larger Great Basin region. The mountain is located entirely within Washoe County, Nevada.
What Does "Prominent" Mean?
When we say Virginia Peak is "topographically prominent," it means it rises very high above the lowest point connecting it to any higher peak. Think of it like this: if you were to drain all the water around a mountain until it was an island, its prominence would be how high it rises from the water. Virginia Peak ranks as the thirty-sixth most prominent peak in all of Nevada. This shows how much it stands out compared to other mountains in the state.
Visiting Virginia Peak
Virginia Peak is on public land. This land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Because it's public land, there are no special rules or fees to visit the mountain. People can explore the area, hike, and enjoy the views. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
The Weather Radar Station
At the very top of Virginia Peak, there is a special station. This station holds a National Weather Service NEXRAD doppler weather radar. This radar is like a giant eye that watches the weather. It sends out radio waves that bounce off rain, snow, and hail. By doing this, it helps meteorologists (weather scientists) track storms and predict the weather. Placing the radar on a high mountain like Virginia Peak helps it see a very wide area.
