The Rowel


The Rowel is a mountain summit in Alaska.

Description

The Rowel is located west of Anchorage in the Tordrillo Mountains which are a subrange of the Alaska Range. The remote glaciated peak ranks as the 10th-highest peak in the Tordrillo Mountains, and 598th-highest summit in Alaska. It is set northeast of Mount Spurr which is the nearest higher summit. Precipitation runoff from the peak's north slope drains to the Chichantna River, whereas the south and east slopes drain to the Chakachatna River. Topographic relief is significant as the east face rises over in one mile. The mountain's descriptive name "rowel" refers to the sharp-toothed wheel on the end of a spur and the toponym was officially adopted in 1999 by the United States Board on Geographic Names. The name is a pun as this sharp peak is situated around the perimeter of Mt. Spurr.

Climate

Based on the Köppen [climate classification], The Rowel 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 with wind chill factors below. 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.