Mount Avalanche

Mount Avalanche
South aspect
Highest point
Elevation2,606 m (8,550 ft)[1][2]
Prominence366 m (1,201 ft)[2]
Isolation2.75 km (1.71 mi)[2]
ListingHighest mountains of New Zealand
Coordinates44°25′20″S 168°44′28″E / 44.422226°S 168.74122°E / -44.422226; 168.74122[2]
Naming
EtymologyAvalanche
Geography
Mount Avalanche is located in New Zealand
Mount Avalanche
Mount Avalanche
Location in New Zealand
Map
Interactive map of Mount Avalanche
LocationSouth Island
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWest Coast / Otago
Protected areaMount Aspiring National Park
Parent rangeSouthern Alps
Topo map(s)NZMS260 F39[3]
Topo50 CA11[4]
Climbing
First ascentJanuary 1935

Mount Avalanche is a 2,606-metre-elevation (8,550-foot) mountain in New Zealand.

Description

Mount Avalanche is located four kilometres south of Mount Aspiring / Tititea in the Southern Alps. The summit is set on the boundary shared by the Otago and West Coast Regions of the South Island. It is also within Mount Aspiring National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains to the Matukituki River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 2,000 metres (6,562 feet) above the Kitchener River in three kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Rob Roy Peak, 3.6 kilometres to the south.[2]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Avalanche is located in a marine west coast climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit.[5] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountain, where the air is forced upwards by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain and snow. This climate supports the Bonar, Hood, Avalanche, and Maud Francis glaciers on the mountain's slopes. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.[6]

Climbing

Climbing routes with first ascents:[4]

  • West Ridge – Dennis Leigh, Bill Walker, Jock Sim – (1935)
  • North Ridge – Neil Hamilton, Pearl Wright, Ron Knightley – (1949)
  • South Ridge – Tony Bowden, Graham Bishop – (1963)
  • West to East Peak Traverse – Laurie Kennedy, Dave Innes – (1969)
  • Maud Francis Glacier

See also

  • Southwest aspect with Maud Francis Glacier
    Southwest aspect with Maud Francis Glacier
  • Southeast aspect with Avalanche Glacier. Rob Roy Peak to left.
    Southeast aspect with Avalanche Glacier. Rob Roy Peak to left.
  • Mount Avalanche in front of Mount Aspiring
    Mount Avalanche in front of Mount Aspiring

References

  1. ^ Mount Avalanche, Otago, NZTopoMap, Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Mount Avalanche, New Zealand". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  3. ^ Mount Avalanche, New Zealand Gazetteer, Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b Mt Avalanche, New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  5. ^ Te Anau Climate (New Zealand), climate-data.org, Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  6. ^ The Best Time to Visit the South Island, nzpocketguide.com, Retrieved 29 December 2024.