Lowell Peak (Chugach Mountains)

Lowell Peak is a 4,728-foot (1,441 m) mountain summit in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Lowell Peak
Southwest aspect, with Learnard Glacier
Highest point
Elevation	4,728 ft (1,441 m)[1][2]
Prominence	2,428 ft (740 m)[1]
Isolation	5.63 mi (9.06 km)[1]
Coordinates	60°49′00″N 148°41′51″W[1]
Naming
Etymology	James Russell Lowell
Geography
Lowell Peak Location in Alaska
Interactive map of Lowell Peak
Country	United States
State	Alaska
Census Area	Chugach Census Area
Protected area	Chugach National Forest[1]
Parent range	Chugach Mountains[2]
Topo map	USGS Seward D-5

Description

Lowell Peak is located three miles (5 km) north of Whittier, Alaska, in the Chugach Mountains, on land managed by Chugach National Forest. Nearby peaks include Maynard Mountain two miles (3 km) to the southwest, and Boggs Peak, four miles (6 km) to the west-northwest.^[1] Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the summit rises over 4,700 feet (1,433 m) above tidewater of Passage Canal in approximately 1.5 mi (2 km). The mountain is unofficially named in association with the officially named Lowell Glacier on the north slope of the mountain which was named in 1915 by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey after poet James Russell Lowell (1819–1891).^[3]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Lowell Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.^[4] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Chugach Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop below −10 °F with wind chill factors below −20 °F. This climate supports the Learnard Glacier on the southwest slope and Lowell Glacier on the north slope. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.

Gallery

• 
  North aspect of Lowell Peak with Lowell Glacier
• 
  Southeast aspect of Lowell Peak across Passage Canal
• 
  South aspect of Lowell Peak above Passage Canal

See also

• List of mountain peaks of Alaska
• Geography of Alaska