Cloudy Peak
Cloudy Peak is a mountain in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand.
Description
Cloudy Peak is the highest point of the Cloudy Peak Range which is a subrange of the Southern Alps. It is situated west of the city of Christchurch in the Canterbury Region of South Island. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains west to the Havelock River via Cloudy Stream, and east into the Clyde River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above Cloudy Stream in one kilometre and above Clyde River in three kilometres. The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1931 by Bryan Barrer and Frank Askin via the North Ridge. The nearest higher peak is Alma, 11 km to the south-southwest. The mountain's descriptive toponym may have been given by Julius von Haast in the 1860s, with it appearing in publications by 1869. In 1861, Julius von Haast explored this area, reaching the source of the Rangitata River which is immediately below Cloudy Peak.Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Cloudy Peak is located in a marine west coast climate zone. Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains, causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.Climbing
Climbing routes on Cloudy Peak:- North Ridge – Bryan Barrer, Frank Askin –
- South West Ridge – Jack Hill, Rob Rainsbury –
- The Great Prow – John Entwisle, Chris Moore – Needle Direct – Marty Beare, Lindsay Main – McC's Crack – Roger Garrett, Richard Struthers – The Groke – Fiona Bowie, Richard Thomson – The Quick and the Dead – Brian Alder, Dave Fearnley – Prowess – Steve Elder, Bill McLeod – Windwhistle Arête – Steve Elder – Golly Rodger – Peter Dickson, Bill McLeod – Silver Lining – S. Fortune, J. Grinsted, S. Chand – The Whole Nine Yards – Grant Piper, Bernie Frankpitt, Greg Low –
- South East Ridge – FA unknown
- East Flank – FA unknown