Black Cap Mountain (Alaska)

Black Cap Mountain is a 3,321-foot (1,012-meter) mountain summit located in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, in the Alsek Ranges of the Saint Elias Mountains, in southeast Alaska.[2] The mountain is situated immediately north of the entrance to Tidal Inlet, 80 mi (129 km) northwest of Juneau, and 3.5 mi (6 km) south of Mount Merriam, which is the nearest higher peak.[1] Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the mountain rises up from tidewater in less than two miles. The mountain's descriptive name was given by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1956 because the summit is composed of black limestone which contrasts with the color of the flanks of the mountain, making it visible for many miles.[2] The mountain's name was officially adopted in 1960 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. Weather permitting, Black Cap Mountain can be seen from Glacier Bay, which is a popular destination for cruise ships. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing the peak.

For other uses, see Black Cap (disambiguation).
Black Cap Mountain
Black Cap Mountain directly in front of Mount Merrian, the highest peak
Highest point
Elevation3,321 ft (1,012 m)[1]
Prominence285 ft (87 m)[1]
Parent peakMount Merriam (5,083 ft)[1]
Isolation1.13 mi (1.82 km)[1]
Coordinates58°51′05″N 136°24′53″W[1]
Geography
Black Cap Mountain is located in Alaska
Black Cap Mountain
Black Cap Mountain
Location of Black Cap Mountain in Alaska
LocationGlacier Bay National Park
Hoonah-Angoon
Alaska, United States
Parent rangeTakhinsha Mountains[1]
Alsek Ranges
Saint Elias Mountains
Topo mapUSGS Mount Fairweather D-2
Geology
Age of rockSilurian[2]
Type of rocklimestone
Climbing
Easiest routeScrambling South ridge[3]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Black Cap Mountain has a subarctic climate with cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.[4] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Saint Elias Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Glacier Bay Basin.

See also

References
  1. "Black Cap Mountain, Alaska". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2020-02-03.
  2. "Black Cap Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2020-02-03.
  3. "Black Cap Mountain". Bivouac.com. Retrieved 2020-02-03.
  4. Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN 1027-5606.
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