Tazcol Peak

Tazcol Peak is a mountain summit located north-northwest of Valdez in the U.S. state of Alaska. This remote glaciated mountain is set in the Chugach Mountains on land managed by Chugach [National Forest]. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains south to Prince William Sound and north to Tazlina Lake → Tazlina River → Copper River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 4,350 feet above the East Branch of the Columbia [Glacier (Alaska)|Columbia Glacier] in 1.4 mile. The peak's name was applied in 1959 by mountaineer and glaciologist Lawrence E. Nielsen, and the toponym was officially adopted in 1965 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. The word "Tazcol" is a portmanteau blending the names of the Tazlina Glacier and Columbia Glacier which flow from this mountain's north and south slopes respectively.

Climate

Based on the Köppen [climate classification], Tazcol Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool 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. This climate supports the Tazlina and Columbia Glaciers surrounding this mountain. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.