Ibex Peak (British Columbia)

Ibex Peak
Steinbok Peak (left) and Ibex Peak (right)
Highest point
Elevation2,039 m (6,690 ft)[1]
Prominence474 m (1,555 ft)[1]
Parent peakGuanaco Peak (2127 m)[1]
ListingMountains of British Columbia
Coordinates49°38′52″N 121°15′38″W / 49.64778°N 121.26056°W / 49.64778; -121.26056[2]
Geography
Ibex Peak is located in British Columbia
Ibex Peak
Ibex Peak
Location in British Columbia
Ibex Peak is located in Canada
Ibex Peak
Ibex Peak
Location in Canada
Map
Interactive map of Ibex Peak
LocationBritish Columbia, Canada
DistrictYale Division Yale Land District
Parent rangeNorth Cascades
Topo mapNTS 92H11 Spuzzum[2]
Climbing
First ascent1962 by Asger Bentzen, Hamish Mutch, Glenn Woodsworth, Bob Woodsworth[1]
Easiest routeScramble via northwest slope[1]

Ibex Peak, is a 2,039-metre (6,690-foot) granitic horn located in the North Cascades of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is situated 13 km (8 mi) west-northwest of Coquihalla Summit, and 1 km (1 mi) northwest of Steinbok Peak. Its nearest higher peak is Alpaca Peak, 6.2 km (4 mi) to the east.[3] Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into tributaries of the Anderson River. The mountain was named for the ibex, as part of the ungulate theme for several other nearby peaks that were submitted by Philip Kubik of Vancouver.[4] The mountain's name was officially adopted on February 5, 1976, by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.[2]

Geology

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.[5] 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.

The North Cascades features some of the most rugged topography in the Cascade Range with craggy peaks and ridges, deep glacial valleys, and granite spires. Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to various climate differences which lead to vegetation variety defining the ecoregions in this area.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Ibex Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[6] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Cascade Range where they are forced upward by the range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall. As a result, the Cascade Mountains experience high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for climbing Ibex Peak.

Climbing Routes

Established climbing routes on Ibex Peak:[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Ibex Peak". Bivouac.com. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  2. ^ a b c "Ibex Peak". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  3. ^ "Ibex Peak, British Columbia". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  4. ^ "Ibex Peak". BC Geographical Names. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
  5. ^ a b c d Kruckeberg, Arthur (1991). The Natural History of Puget Sound Country. University of Washington Press.
  6. ^ Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN 1027-5606.