Azurite Peak
Azurite Peak is an 8,400-foot (2,600-metre) double-summit mountain located at the common boundary point of Okanogan County, Skagit County, and Whatcom County in Washington state. It is part of the Okanogan Range which is a sub-range of the North Cascades Range.[1] Azurite Peak is situated north of Azurite Pass on land administered by the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest. The nearest higher neighbor is Tower Mountain, 5.24 miles (8.43 km) to the south-southeast, and Mount Ballard lies 1.97 miles (3.17 km) to the north.[1] Remnants of a small pocket glacier are found on the east aspect. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the base of Azurite Peak.
| Azurite Peak | |
|---|---|
 Azurite Peak seen from northeast | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,400 ft (2,600 m)[1] |
| Prominence | 1,880 ft (570 m)[1] |
| Parent peak | Tower Mountain (8,444 ft)[2] |
| Isolation | 5.20 mi (8.37 km)[2] |
| Coordinates | 48°39′26″N 120°45′08″W[1] |
| Geography | |
  Azurite Peak Location in Washington  Azurite Peak Azurite Peak (the United States) | |
| Location | Okanogan, Skagit, Whatcom counties Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | North Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Azurite Peak |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1933, Hermann Ulrichs, Sidney Shmerling[3] |
| Easiest route | Scrambling, class 4 |
Climate
Azurite Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[3] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach the North Cascades, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades (Orographic lift). As a result, the west side of the North Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. During winter months, weather is usually cloudy, but, due to high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean that intensify during summer months, there is often little or no cloud cover during the summer.[3] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[3]
Geology
The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks, spires, 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.
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.
See also
References
- "Azurite Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
- "Azurite Peak - 8,420' WA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
- Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
- Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
External links
- Azurite Peak aerial photo: PBase
- Weather: Azurite Peak