Mount Ross (Two Thumb Range)


Mount Ross is a mountain in Canterbury Region of New Zealand.

Description

Mount Ross is part of the Two Thumb Range which is a subrange of the Southern Alps. It is located west of the city of Christchurch in the Canterbury Region of the South Island. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains west into the Macaulay River and east into North East Gorge Stream, which is a tributary of the Macaulay. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Macaulay Valley in less than three kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Chevalier, three kilometres to the north. The mountain's toponym honours John Ross, an 1870s manager of a station adjoining nearby Lilybank Station. The first ascent of the summit was made in 1934 by Bill Cullens, Stan Forbes, and Frank Gillett.

Climbing

Climbing routes and the first ascents:

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Ross 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 upwards 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.