Mount Chichantna


Mount Chichantna is a mountain summit in Alaska.

Description

Mount Chichantna is located west of Anchorage in the Tordrillo Mountains which are a subrange of the Alaska Range. The remote glaciated peak ranks as the sixth-highest peak in the Tordrillo Mountains, and the 272nd-highest summit in Alaska. It is set north of Mount Spurr which is the nearest higher neighbor. Precipitation runoff from the peak's southwest slope drains to the Chakachatna River, whereas the other slopes drain to the Chichantna River. Topographic relief is significant as the east face rises nearly in two miles. The mountain is named in association with the Chichantna River which originates from a glacier partly located on this peak. "Chichantna" is a Denaʼina word meaning "from-glacier stream." The mountain's toponym was officially adopted in 1999 by the United States Board on Geographic Names.

Climate

Based on the Köppen [climate classification], Mount Chichantna is located in a tundra climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers. Weather systems are forced upwards by the Alaska Range, causing heavy precipitation in the form of snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop below −10 °F with wind chill factors below −20 °F. This climate supports glaciers surrounding the peak including the Capps Glacier to the northeast. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing.