West Unicorn Peak
West Unicorn Peak is the second highest point in the Tatoosh Range which is a sub-range of the Cascade Range. It is located south of Mount Rainier within Mount Rainier National Park, in Lewis County of Washington state. The nearest higher peak is Unicorn Peak, 0.17 miles (0.27 km) to the east-northeast.[1] Precipitation runoff and meltwater from the peak's small glacier, Unicorn Glacier, drain into tributaries of the Cowlitz River.
| West Unicorn Peak | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,840 ft (2,080 m) [1] |
| Prominence | 200 ft (61 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | 46°44′39″N 121°42′18″W |
| Geography | |
  West Unicorn Peak Location in Washington  West Unicorn Peak West Unicorn Peak (the United States) | |
| Location | Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS Tatoosh Lakes |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Climbing |
Climate
West Unicorn 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, 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.[2] 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.[2] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[2]
References
- "West Unicorn Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
- Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
External links
- National Park Service web site: Mount Rainier National Park
