Bellicose Peak
Bellicose Peak is a mountain summit in Alaska, United States.
Description
Bellicose Peak is located east of Anchorage in the western Chugach Mountains. It ranks as the third-highest peak within Chugach State Park. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains to Knik Arm via Peters Creek and the Eklutna River. Although modest in elevation, topographic relief is significant as the summit rises approximately 4,640 feet above Peters Creek in and 3,640 feet above the Eklutna Glacier in less than one mile.
History
The first ascent of the summit was made on August 20, 1963, by John Bousman and his brother, William, via the southwest ridge. They so named the peak because, in a personified sense, it appears belligerent due to the difficulty encountered while climbing it. The mountain's toponym was officially adopted in 1964 by the United [States Board on Geographic Names].
Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Bellicose Peak is located in a tundra climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers. Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Chugach Mountains, causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop below −10 °F with wind chill factors below −20 °F. This climate supports the Eklutna Glacier immediately east of the peak and smaller unnamed glaciers on the north slope.