Mile High Peak

Mile High Peak is a mountain summit in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Description

Mile High Peak is located northeast of Anchorage in the western Chugach Mountains and within Chugach State Park. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains to Knik Arm via Peters Creek and Eagle River. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the summit rises approximately 3,700 feet above Peters Creek in and 4,900 feet above Eagle River in. The mountain's toponym has not been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names. In 1953, Mrs. Ollie A. Trower of Anchorage proposed that this mountain be named "Mt. Magnificent," however confusion led to a smaller peak two miles west being officially adopted as Mount Magnificent.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mile High Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild 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.