Fisher Peak (Washington)
Fisher Peak is a summit in the Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located on the borders of the Stephen Mather Wilderness and North Cascades National Park. It's situated midway between Black Peak and Easy Pass, adjacent to Repulse Peak. Precipitation runoff from Fisher Peak drains into tributaries of the Skagit River.
| Fisher Peak | |
|---|---|
 Fisher Peak seen from the North Cascades Highway | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,040 ft (2,451 m) [1] |
| Prominence | 720 ft (220 m) [1] |
| Isolation | 1.02 mi (1.64 km) [1] |
| Coordinates | 48°32′43″N 120°49′26″W [1] |
| Geography | |
  Fisher Peak Location of Fisher Peak in Washington | |
| Location | Chelan / Skagit Counties Washington, United States |
| Parent range | North Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Arriva |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1940, Fred Beckey, Jim Crooks, Ed Kennedy[2] |
| Easiest route | Scrambling |
Climate
Fisher Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[2] 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 (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades. 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, 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. These climate differences lead to vegetation variety defining the ecoregions in this area.
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.
References
- "Fisher Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
- Beckey, Fred W. (2009). Cascade Alpine Guide: climbing and high routes, Vol. 3, Rainy Pass to Fraser River (3rd ed.). Mountaineers Books. p. 302. ISBN 978-1-59485-136-0.
- Beckey, p. 16
- Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
External links
- Weather forecast: Fisher Peak