West Unicorn Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Unicorn Peak |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,840 ft (2,080 m) |
| Prominence | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Geography | |
 West Unicorn Peak
Location in Washington (state)
West Unicorn Peak
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Tatoosh Lakes |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Climbing |
West Unicorn Peak is a tall mountain in the Tatoosh Range. This range is part of the larger Cascade Range in Washington. The peak is found inside Mount Rainier National Park. It is south of the famous Mount Rainier. West Unicorn Peak is the second highest point in the Tatoosh Range. Its closest neighbor is Unicorn Peak, which is a bit taller and located to the east. A small glacier called Unicorn Glacier sits on the peak. Water from this glacier melts and flows into rivers nearby.
Mountain Weather
West Unicorn Peak is in a special weather area. It is called the marine west coast climate zone. This means it gets a lot of rain and snow. Most weather comes from the Pacific Ocean. It moves northeast towards the Cascade Mountains.
How Mountains Get Rain and Snow
When weather fronts hit the Cascade Mountains, they are forced to rise. This is called Orographic lift. As the air goes up, it cools down. This causes the moisture in the air to turn into rain or snow. So, the western side of the Cascades gets a lot of precipitation. This is especially true in winter.
Seasons on the Peak
During winter, the weather is usually cloudy. But in summer, high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean become stronger. This often leads to clear skies with little or no clouds. The snow in this area tends to be wet and heavy. This can create a higher risk of avalanches. It is always important to be careful when exploring mountains.
- National Park Service web site: Mount Rainier National Park
