Hagan Mountain

Hagan Mountain is a 7,080-foot (2,160-metre) multi-peak mountain located in the North Cascades, in Whatcom County of Washington state.[2] It is situated 12 mi (19 km) north of Marblemount, within North Cascades National Park. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Blum, 1.81 mi (2.91 km) to the north, with Bacon Peak 4.45 mi (7.16 km) to the south.[1] Precipitation runoff and glacier meltwater from the large Hagan Glacier and smaller Hidden Creek Glacier on the mountain drains into tributaries of the Skagit River.

Hagan Mountain
Hagan Mountain seen from northwest
Highest point
Elevation7,080+ ft (2,160+ m) [1]
Prominence600 ft (180 m) [1]
Parent peakMount Blum 7,685 ft (2342 m)
Coordinates48°43′27″N 121°29′28″W [1]
Geography
Hagan Mountain
Hagan Mountain
Hagan Mountain (the United States)
Parent rangeNorth Cascades
Cascade Range
Topo mapUSGS Damnation Peak
Geology
Type of rockphyllite
Climbing
Easiest routeScrambling class 3 and glacier travel

Climate

Hagan Mountain 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.[3] Due to its temperate climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, areas west of the Cascade Crest very rarely experience temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C) or above 80 °F (27 °C).[3] 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.

Northern Pickets, Mount Blum, and Hagan (right) from the upper meadow below Park Butte

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 and shaped the landscape.[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
  1. "Hagan Mountain, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. "Hagan Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2019-04-26.
  3. Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
  4. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
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