Mount Gerdine

Mount Gerdine is an mountain summit in Alaska.

Description

Mount Gerdine is located west-northwest of Anchorage in the Tordrillo Mountains which are a subrange of the Alaska Range. The remote glaciated Gerdine ranks as the second-highest peak in the Tordrillo Mountains, and 201st-highest summit in Alaska. It is set north of Mount Torbert which is the nearest higher peak. Topographic relief is significant as the west face rises over in one mile.

History

The mountain's name honors Thomas Golding Gerdine, U.S. Geological Survey topographic engineer who made several reconnaissance trips in Alaska at the end of the 19th century. He is credited with first ascents of Glacier Peak, Black Mountain, and White Chuck Mountain. The toponym was officially adopted in 1931 by the United States Board on Geographic Names.
The first ascent of Mt. Gerdine's summit was made on May 5, 1963, by Rod Wilson, Lowell Thomas Jr., Dr. George Wichman, Paul Crews Jr., and Paul Crews Sr.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Gerdine 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 the Hayes Glacier and the North and South Branches of the Trimble Glacier surrounding the peak. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing.