Unicorn Peak

Unicorn Peak
Highest point
Elevation 6,971 ft (2,125 m) [1]
Prominence 2,091 ft (637 m) [1]
Coordinates 46°44′42″N 121°42′03″W / 46.745127°N 121.700912°W / 46.745127; -121.700912Coordinates: 46°44′42″N 121°42′03″W / 46.745127°N 121.700912°W / 46.745127; -121.700912 
Geography
Unicorn Peak
Location in Washington
Location Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, U.S.
Parent range Cascades
Topo map USGS Tatoosh Lakes
Climbing
Easiest route Climbing

Unicorn Peak is the highest point in the Tatoosh Range which is a sub-range of the Cascade Range. It's located in Mount Rainier National Park, south of Mount Rainier. The descriptive name is for the mountain's resemblance to the head and horn of a unicorn. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's small glaciers, such as Unicorn Glacier, drains into tributaries of the Cowlitz River.

Climate

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] 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).[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

  1. 1 2 "Unicorn Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.
Unicorn Peak (left), with West Unicorn Peak (center), and Foss Peak (right)
Unicorn Peak
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