Wiwaxy Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wiwaxy Peaks |
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Wiwaxy Peaks reflected in Opabin Lake
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,706 m (8,878 ft) |
| Prominence | 174 m (571 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Wiwaxy Peaks
Location in British Columbia
Wiwaxy Peaks
Location in Canada
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| Parent range | Canadian Rockies |
| Topo map | NTS 82N/08 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1951 by T. Church, D. Pullin, W.Roubenheimer, T. Whalley |
| Easiest route | YDS 5.6 trad |
Wiwaxy Peaks is a tall mountain, about 2,706 meters (8,878 feet) high. It is located near Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park, which is in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, Canada. An ancient animal called Wiwaxia corrugata, found in the Burgess Shale, was named after this mountain. The closest higher mountain to Wiwaxy Peaks is Mount Huber, which is about 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) to the east.
Contents
What's in a Name? The History of Wiwaxy Peaks
The name "Wiwaxy" was given to the peaks in 1894 by Samuel E.S. Allen. He chose the name from the Stoney First Nations language, where it means "windy."
The mountain's name officially became "Wiwaxy Peaks" in 1924. This happened when the Geographical Names Board of Canada approved it.
Who First Climbed Wiwaxy Peaks?
The first time anyone successfully climbed to the top of Wiwaxy Peaks was in 1951. A team of four climbers, T. Church, D. Pullin, W. Roubenheimer, and T. Whalley, made this historic ascent.
How Wiwaxy Peaks Was Formed: Geology Basics
Wiwaxy Peaks is made up of sedimentary rock. This type of rock forms from layers of sand, mud, and tiny bits of plants and animals that settle over time. The rocks in Wiwaxy Peaks were laid down during very long periods of Earth's history, from the Precambrian to the Jurassic periods.
These rocks formed in shallow seas. Later, during a major mountain-building event called the Laramide orogeny, these layers of rock were pushed up and over younger rocks. This process created the impressive peaks we see today.
Weather and Climate Around Wiwaxy Peaks
Wiwaxy Peaks has a subarctic climate. This means it has very cold and snowy winters. The summers are usually mild. Temperatures can drop below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), and with the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit).
The snow and rain that fall on the peaks eventually melt and flow into small streams. These streams then join the Kicking Horse River, which is a larger river that flows into the Columbia River.
Exploring Wiwaxy Peaks: Climbing Routes
One well-known climbing route on Wiwaxy Peaks is called Grassi Ridge. This route offers a challenging way to experience the mountain.
Images for kids
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Wiwaxy Peak, from the Lake O'Hara campground
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Wiwaxy Peaks and Huber
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Wiwaxy Peak on a bad-weather morning
