Tokosha Mountains

Tokosha Mountains
Tokosha Mountains, east aspect
Highest point
Elevation6,148 ft (1,874 m)[1]
Prominence2,898 ft (883 m)[2]
Isolation10.12 mi (16.29 km)[1]
Coordinates62°43′0″N 150°37′54″W / 62.71667°N 150.63167°W / 62.71667; -150.63167[2]
Geography
Tokosha Mountains is located in Alaska
Tokosha Mountains
Tokosha Mountains
Location of Tokosha Mountains in Alaska
CountryUnited States
StateAlaska
BoroughMatanuska-Susitna
Protected areaDenali National Park
Parent rangeAlaska Range
Topo mapUSGS Talkeetna C-2
Geology
Rock typeGranite
Climbing
First ascent1975 David Johnston, Brian Okonek

Tokosha Mountains is a 6,148 ft (1,870 m) multi-peak massif located in the Alaska Range, in Denali National Park and Preserve, in Alaska, United States. It is situated between the toes of Ruth Glacier and Tokositna Glacier, 27 mi (43 km) south-southeast of Denali and 26 mi (42 km) northwest of Talkeetna.[3] Despite its relatively low elevation, it is notable for its Teton-esque granite spires which can be seen from the George Parks Highway. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into the Tokositna River → Chulitna RiverSusitna River. Topographic relief is significant as the highest summit, Grand Tokosha, rises 3,850 feet (1,173 meters) above the Ruth Glacier in one mile (1.6 km).

History

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In the Denaʼina language, tokosha means "treeless" or "treeless area". The mountain was named in 1906 by explorer Belmore Browne of the Cook Expedition which attempted to climb Denali. This landform's toponym was officially adopted in 1962 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.[3] The first ascent of Grand Tokosha was made on March 3, 1975, by David Johnston and Brian Okonek.[4]

Climate

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Based on the Köppen climate classification, Tokosha Mountains are located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and short cool summers.[5] Winter temperatures can drop below 0 °F with wind chill factors below −10 °F. The months of May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Tokosha Mountains AK - 6,148'". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  2. ^ a b "Grand Tokosha". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  3. ^ a b "Tokosha Mountains". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  4. ^ American Alpine Club
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Denali FAQ, American Alpine Institute, alpineinstitute.com, Retrieved 2024-10-29.
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