Mount Cran


Mount Cran is a mountain in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Description

Mount Cran is set in the Ben Ohau Range of the Southern Alps and is situated in the Canterbury Region of the South Island. This peak is located south of Mount Cook Village. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's northwest slope drains to the headwaters of the Dobson River, whereas all other slopes drain east to the Tasman River via Freds and Birch Hill streams. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above Birch Hill Stream in two kilometres. The nearest higher peak is Mount Sealy, four kilometres to the north. The first ascent of the summit was made in March 1916 by Harold Sloman and Conrad Kain.

Eponymy

The mountain's toponym honours Charles George Cran, who was well-known in the farming community, managed several high-country stations, and was an original member of the Land Settlement Board. This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board.

Climbing

Climbing routes with first ascents:
  • East Ridge – Harold Sloman, Conrad Kain –
  • North Ridge – Mike Andrews, Mal Clarborough, Jim Jolly –
  • East Face – Ross Cullen, Peter Fowler –
  • Deep Purple – Bill McLeod –
  • Feared By The Bad – Bill McLeod –
  • Monkey Puzzle – Bill McLeod –
  • Delirium – Jonathon Baird, Bill McLeod –
  • Central Couloir – Steve Fortune, Jaap Overtoom, Duncan Sherratt –
  • West Ridge – FA unknown

    Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Cran is located in a marine west coast climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate at the summit. 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. This climate supports a small unnamed glacier on the peak's northwest slope. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.