Mox Peaks

Mox Peaks (8,630 feet (2,630 m)) is in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington.[3] Located in the northern section of the park, Mox Peaks consist of several summits in close proximity to each other that are nearly the same altitude, but the highest point is the eastern peak. Mox Peaks West looms just to the southeast of Redoubt Glacier and is at the southern terminus of a long arête which extends 1.75 mi (2.82 km) to Mount Spickard to the northeast. A deep col lies between Mox Peaks High Point and Mox Peaks West.

Mox Peaks
Highest point
Elevation8,504 ft (2,592 m) [1]
Prominence904 ft (276 m) [1]
Coordinates48°56′51″N 121°15′20″W [2]
Geography
Mox Peaks
Location in Washington
Mox Peaks
Location in the United States
LocationWhatcom County, Washington, U.S.
Parent rangeCascade Range
Topo mapUSGS Mount Redoubt
Climbing
First ascent1941 Fred Beckey
Easiest routeSE peak: Grade II class 4-5 NW peak: Grade II-III class 5.5

Climate

Mox Peaks is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[4] 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.[4] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[4]

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.[5] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[5] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[5]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[5] 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
  1. "Mox Peaks, Washington". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  2. "Mox Peaks". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  3. Mount Redoubt, WA (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  4. Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
  5. Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.


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