Fisher Peak
Fisher Peak seen from the North Cascades Highway
Highest point
Elevation8,040 ft (2,451 m)[1]
Prominence720 ft (220 m)[1]
Parent peakMount Arriva (8,215 ft)[2]
Isolation1.55 mi (2.49 km)[2]
Coordinates48°32′43″N 120°49′26″W / 48.54528°N 120.82389°W / 48.54528; -120.82389[1]
Geography
Fisher Peak is located in Washington (state)
Fisher Peak
Fisher Peak
Location of Fisher Peak in Washington
Fisher Peak is located in the United States
Fisher Peak
Fisher Peak
Fisher Peak (the United States)
LocationChelan / Skagit Counties
Washington, United States
Parent rangeNorth Cascades
Cascade Range
Topo mapUSGS Mount Arriva
Climbing
First ascent1940, Fred Beckey, Jim Crooks, Ed Kennedy[3]
Easiest routeScrambling

Fisher Peak is an 8,040-foot-elevation mountain summit located in the North Cascades of Washington state.[4] It is situated on the borders of the Stephen Mather Wilderness and North Cascades National Park, midway between Black Peak and Easy Pass, and adjacent to Repulse Peak. Precipitation runoff from Fisher Peak drains into tributaries of the Skagit River.

Climate

Fisher Peak 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 (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.[5] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger.[5]

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.[6] With the North American Plate overriding the Pacific Plate, episodes of volcanic igneous activity persisted.[6] In addition, small fragments of the oceanic and continental lithosphere called terranes created the North Cascades about 50 million years ago.[6]

During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.[6] The U-shaped cross section of the river valleys is 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.

Fisher Peak (center) with Black Peak (left) and Graybeard Peak (right) seen from the Pacific Crest Trail above Swamp Creek

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Fisher Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. 1 2 "Fisher Peak WA - 8,060'". Lists of John. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  3. 1 2 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.
  4. ↑ "Fisher Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  5. 1 2 Beckey, p. 16
  6. 1 2 3 4 Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
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