Agnes Mountain

Agnes Mountain is a dramatic, but relatively unknown, peak in the North Cascades of the US state of Washington. It is not of regionally high elevation, but it rises steeply from low footings; Beckey calls it "an immense Matterhorn-shaped massif."[3] For example, its north face drops 1,800 feet (549 m) from the summit to Agnes Creek in only 1.5 miles (2.4 km).

Agnes Mountain
Agnes Mountain
Highest point
Elevation8,119 ft (2,475 m) NAVD 88[1]
Prominence1,355 ft (413 m)[1]
Coordinates48°19′03″N 120°58′03″W[2]
Geography
Agnes Mountain is located in Washington (state)
Agnes Mountain
Agnes Mountain
Location in Washington
LocationChelan County, Washington, U.S.
Parent rangeNorth Cascades
Topo mapUSGS Agnes Mountain
Climbing
First ascent1936 by W. Ronald Frazier and Dan O'Brien
Easiest routeNortheast/South Ridge Route, class 5.6

Agnes Mountain was climbed first in 1936, by W. Ronald Frazier and Dan O'Brien. They ascended from the West Fork of Agnes Creek. The second ascent was not until 1969. The recommended route in Beckey's guide first follows the Northeast Ridge of nearby Asa Peak, then traverses to the south ridge of Agnes, which involves some short technical sections (up to class 5.6).

Due to its location deep in the North Cascades, its difficult approaches, and the fact that it is not particularly high, Agnes is seldom climbed. Beckey notes that "only fourteen parties succeeded by 1987."[3]

Geology

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks, ridges, and deep glacial valleys. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences.

Agnes Mountain from Howard Lake Trail

The history of the formation of the Cascade Mountains dates back millions of years ago to the late Eocene Epoch.[4] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[4] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[4]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[4] The "U"-shaped cross section of the river valleys are a result of recent glaciation. Uplift and faulting in combination with glaciation have been the dominant processes which have created the tall peaks and deep valleys of the North Cascades area.

Notes
  1. "Agnes Mountain, Washington". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  2. "Agnes Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  3. Beckey, Fred (1996). Cascade Alpine Guide, Vol. 2 (2nd ed.). The Mountaineers Books. pp. 221–222. ISBN 0-89886-152-7.
  4. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.


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