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Coordinates: 61°10′N 145°20′W / 61.167°N 145.333°W / 61.167; -145.333
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{{short description|Mountains in southern Alaska}}
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{{Infobox mountain range
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}}
⚫
| name=Chugach Mountains
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
| photo=Chugach Panorama Alaska.jpg
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{{Infobox mountain
⚫
| photo_caption=View of the Chugach Mountains from the [[Glenn Highway]] north of Anchorage
⚫
| name = Chugach Mountains
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| country=United States
| state=Alaska
| photo = Chugach Panorama Alaska.jpg
⚫
| photo_caption = View of the Chugach Mountains from the [[Glenn Highway]], north of Anchorage
⚫
| parent=Pacific Coast Ranges
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| country = United States
| length_mi=300| length_orientation=E-W
| state = Alaska
| width_mi= | width_orientation=
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| parent = Pacific Coast Ranges
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| highest=Mount Marcus Baker
| length_mi = 300
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| elevation_ft=13176
| length_orientation = E–W
| lat_d=61|lat_m=26|lat_s=14|lat_NS=N
| width_mi =
| long_d=147|long_m=45|long_s=10|long_EW=W
| width_orientation =
| range_lat_d=61|range_lat_m=10|range_lat_NS=N
⚫
| highest = [[Mount Marcus Baker]]
| range_long_d=145|range_long_m=20|range_long_EW=W
⚫
| elevation_ft = 13094
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| map=
| coordinates = {{coord|61|26|14|N|147|45|10|W|type:mountain|format=dms|display=inline}}
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| map_caption=}}
| range_coordinates = {{coord|61|10|N|145|20|W|type:mountain|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
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| map =
⚫
| map_caption =
| native_name_lang =
}}
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[[Image:Chugach4.jpg|thumb|Alpine lakes in the Chugach Mountains]]
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[[Image:Chugachreflection.JPG|thumb|A peak in the Chugach Mountains]]


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The '''Chugach Mountains''' of southern [[Alaska]] are the northernmost of the several [[mountain range]]s that make up the [[Pacific Coast Ranges]] of the western edge of [[North America]]. The range is about {{convert|250|mi|km|0}} long and {{convert|60|mi|km|0}} wide, and extends from the Knik and Turnagain Arms of the [[Cook Inlet]] on the west to [[Bering Glacier]], [[Tana Glacier]], and the [[Tana River (Alaska)|Tana River]] on the east. It is bounded on the north by the [[Matanuska River|Matanuska]], [[Copper River (Alaska)|Copper]], and [[Chitina River|Chitina]] rivers. The highest point of the Chugach Mountains is [[Mount Marcus Baker]], at {{convert|13094|ft|m|0}}, but with an average elevation of {{convert|4006|ft|m|0}}, most of its summits are not especially high.<ref name=Chugach>{{cite gnis|id=1412401|name=Chugach Mountains|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> Even so, its position along the [[Gulf of Alaska]] ensures more snowfall in the Chugach than anywhere else in the world, an annual average of over 1500&nbsp;cm (800&nbsp;in).<ref>Steep, Freeskiing Documentary, 2007</ref>
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[[Image:Chugach4.jpg|150px|right|thumb|Alpine Lakes in the Chugach Mountains]]
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[[Image:Chugachreflection.JPG|150px|right|thumb|A peak in the Chugach Mountains]]
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The '''Chugach Mountains''' of southern [[Alaska]] are the northernmost of the several [[mountain range]]s that make up the [[Pacific Coast Ranges]] of the western edge of [[North America]]. The range is about {{convert|250|mi|km|0}} long and {{convert|60|mi|km|0}} wide, and extends from the Knik and Turnagain Arms of the [[Cook Inlet]] on the west to [[Bering Glacier]], [[Tana Glacier]], and the [[Tana River (Alaska)|Tana River]] on the east. It is bounded on the north by the [[Matanuska River|Matanuska]], [[Copper River (Alaska)|Copper]], and [[Chitina River|Chitina]] rivers. The highest point of the Chugach Mountains is [[Mount Marcus Baker]], at {{convert|12884|ft|m|0}}, but with an average elevation of {{convert|4006|ft|m|0}}, most of its summits are not especially high.<ref name=Chugach>{{cite gnis|id=1412401|name=Chugach Mountains|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref> Even so its position along the [[Gulf of Alaska]] ensures more snowfall in the Chugach than anywhere else in the world; an annual average of over 1500&nbsp;cm (600&nbsp;in).<ref>Steep, Freeskiing Documentary, 2007</ref>


The mountains are protected in the [[Chugach State Park]] and the [[Chugach National Forest]]. Near to [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]], they are a popular destination for outdoor activities. Weather permitting, the [[World Extreme Skiing Championship]] is held annually in the Chugach Mountains near [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]].
The mountains are protected in the [[Chugach State Park]] and the [[Chugach National Forest]]. Near to [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]], they are a popular destination for outdoor activities.


The [[Richardson Highway]], [[Seward Highway]], [[Portage Glacier Highway]], and the [[Glenn Highway]] run through the Chugach Mountains. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel of the Portage Glacier Highway provides railroad and automobile access underneath [[Maynard Mountain]] between [[Portage Lake (Alaska)|Portage Lake]] and the city of [[Whittier, Alaska|Whittier]] on [[Prince William Sound]].
The [[Richardson Highway]], [[Seward Highway]], [[Portage Glacier Highway]], and the [[Glenn Highway]] run through the Chugach Mountains. The [[Portage Glacier Highway#Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel|Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel]] of the Portage Glacier Highway provides railroad and automobile access underneath [[Maynard Mountain]] between [[Portage Lake (Alaska)|Portage Lake]] and the city of [[Whittier, Alaska|Whittier]] on [[Prince William Sound]].

On Mount Gordon Lyon, at about the {{convert|4,000|ft|m}} level, is a {{convert|300|ft|m}} five-pointed star using around 350 light globes. This faces [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]] to be visible from the city at night. It is illuminated to commemorate [[Christmas]], being lit from [[Thanksgiving]] until [[Christmas Day]]; and, on [[9/11]]. Maintenance is undertaken by the [[US Air Force]]’s [[Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson]], although it was established in around 1960 and formerly maintained by the [[US Army]] having been near the former Army ([[Project Nike|Nike missile]] [[Site Summit]]) in the mountains.<ref name=”2021-12-03_AP-MT”>[https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/12/02/airmen-help-save-holiday-tradition-in-alaskas-largest-city/ Airmen help save holiday tradition in Alaska’s largest city], [[The Associated Press]]/militarytimes.com, December 3, 2021</ref>


==History==
==History==
The name "Chugach" comes from [[Chugach Sugpiaq]] "Cuungaaciiq" (in the modern spelling) meaning "Cook Inlet"; Russians applied this name to the indigenous Sugpiaq or Alutiiq people of the southern Kenai Peninsula and Price William Sound, usually describing place names as Chugachik and the people as Chugatz and Tshougatskoy. In 1898 [[United States Army]] Captain [[William R. Abercrombie]] spelled the name "Chugatch" and applied it to the mountains.<ref name=Chugach/> It is possible that the Koniagmiut (Sugpiat or Alutiit of the Kodiak Archipelago and the Alaska Peninsula) may also have called these northern Sugpiat "Cuungaaciirmiut" in ancient times but it is also possible that this was a neologism during Russian times.
The name "Chugach" comes from [[Chugach Sugpiaq]] "Cuungaaciiq," Alaska Natives inhabiting the [[Kenai Peninsula]] and [[Prince William Sound]] on the south coast of Alaska. The Chugach people are an Alutiiq (Pacific Eskimo) people who speak the Chugach dialect of the Alutiiq language. In 1898 [[United States Army]] Captain [[William R. Abercrombie]] spelled the name "Chugatch" and applied it to the mountains.<ref name=Chugach/> It is possible that the Koniagmiut (Sugpiat or Alutiit of the Kodiak Archipelago and the Alaska Peninsula) may also have called these northern Sugpiat "Cuungaaciirmiut" in ancient times but it is also possible that this was a [[neologism]] during [[Russian America|Russian times]].


==Mountains==
==Mountains==
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| 1
| 1
| [[Mount Marcus Baker]]
| [[Mount Marcus Baker]]
| {{convert|12884|ft|m|0}}<ref name=MarcusBaker>{{cite gnis|id=1405944|name=Mount Marcus Baker|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|13176|ft|m|0}}<ref name=MarcusBaker>{{cite gnis|id=1405944|name=Mount Marcus Baker|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|26|16|N|147|45|02|W}}
| {{coord|61|26|16|N|147|45|02|W}}
|-
|-
| 2
| 2
| [[Mount Witherspoon]]
| [[Mount Thor (Alaska)|Mount Thor]]
| {{convert|11896|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Witherspoon>{{cite gnis|id=1412193|name=Mount Witherspoon|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|12251|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Thor>{{cite gnis|id=1410892|name=Mount Thor|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|23|43|N|147|12|05|W}}
| {{coord|61|29|10|N|147|08|50|W}}
|-
|-
| 3
| 3
| [[Mount Thor (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Thor]]
| [[Mount Valhalla (Alaska)|Mount Valhalla]]
| {{convert|11873|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Thor>{{cite gnis|id=1410892|name=Mount Thor|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|12135|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Valhalla>{{cite gnis|id=1411622|name=Mount Valhalla|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|29|10|N|147|08|50|W}}
| {{coord|61|27|36|N|147|04|45|W}}
|-
|-
| 4
| 4
| [[Mount Valhalla (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Valhalla]]
| [[Mount Witherspoon]]
| {{convert|11752|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Valhalla>{{cite gnis|id=1411622|name=Mount Valhalla|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|11745|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Witherspoon>{{cite gnis|id=1412193|name=Mount Witherspoon|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|27|36|N|147|04|45|W}}
| {{coord|61|23|43|N|147|12|05|W}}
|-
|-
| 5
| 5
| [[Mount Einstein]]
| [[Mount Einstein]]
| {{convert|11210|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Einstein>{{cite gnis|id=1401718|name=Mount Einstein|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|11401|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Einstein>{{cite gnis|id=1401718|name=Mount Einstein|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|21|26|N|147|05|47|W}}
| {{coord|61|21|26|N|147|05|47|W}}
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| 6
| 6
| [[Mount Tom White]]
| [[Mount Tom White]]
| {{convert|11086|ft|m|0}}<ref name=TomWhite>{{cite gnis|id=1411084|name=Mount Tom White|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|11155|ft|m|0}}<ref name=TomWhite>{{cite gnis|id=1411084|name=Mount Tom White|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|60|39|09|N|143|41|44|W}}
| {{coord|60|39|09|N|143|41|44|W}}
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| 7
| 7
| [[Icing Peak]]
| [[Icing Peak]]
| {{convert|10955|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Icing>{{cite web|author=|title=Icing Peak|work=Chugach Mountains|publisher=peakbagger.com|year=2012|url=http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=14692|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|10955|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Icing>{{cite web|title=Icing Peak|work=Chugach Mountains|publisher=peakbagger.com|year=2012|url=http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=14692|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|32|10|N|147|42|17|W}}
| {{coord|61|32|10|N|147|42|17|W}}
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| 8
| 8
| [[Mount Grace (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Grace]]
| [[Mount Grace (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Grace]]
| {{convert|10540|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Grace>{{cite web|author=|title=Mount Grace|work=Chugach Mountains|publisher=peakbagger.com|year=2012|url=http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=32501|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|10540|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Grace>{{cite web|title=Mount Grace|work=Chugach Mountains|publisher=peakbagger.com|year=2012|url=http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=32501|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|19|06|N|147|53|14|W}}
| {{coord|61|19|06|N|147|53|14|W}}
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| 9
| 9
| [[Mount Goode]]
| [[Mount Goode]]
| {{convert|10374|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Goode>{{cite gnis|id=1402769|name=Mount Goode|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|10384|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Goode>{{cite gnis|id=1402769|name=Mount Goode|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|19|38|N|147|59|02|W}}
| {{coord|61|19|38|N|147|59|02|W}}
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| 10
| 10
| [[Mount Steller (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Steller]]
| [[Mount Steller (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Steller]]
| {{convert|9924|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Steller>{{cite gnis|id=1410176|name=Mount Steller|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|10082|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Steller>{{cite gnis|id=1410176|name=Mount Steller|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|60|31|07|N|143|05|59|W}}
| {{coord|60|31|07|N|143|05|59|W}}
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| 11
| 11
| [[Mount Gannett]]
| [[Mount Gannett]]
| {{convert|9649|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Gannett>{{cite gnis|id=1402474|name=Mount Gannett|accessdate=2014-06-19}}</ref>
| {{convert|9629|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Gannett>{{cite gnis|id=1402474|name=Mount Gannett|access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|61|14|32|N|148|11|36|W}}
| {{coord|61|14|32|N|148|11|36|W}}
|-
|-
| 12
| 12
| [[Mount Miller (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Miller]]
| [[Mount Gilbert (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Gilbert]]
| {{convert|8694|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Miller>{{cite gnis|id=1406365|name=Mount Miller|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
| {{convert|9101|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Miller>{{cite gnis|id=1402564|name=Mount Gilbert|access-date=January 26, 2020}}</ref>
|
|
| {{coord|60|26|48|N|142|20|12|W}}
| {{coord|61|10|20|N|148|16|15|W}}
|}
|}


Other important peaks in the Chugach Mountains include:
Other important peaks in the Chugach Mountains include:
* [[Mount Michelson (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Michelson]] {{convert|8156|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Michelson>{{cite gnis|id=1406268|name=Mount Michelson|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
* [[Mount Michelson (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Michelson]] {{convert|8504|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Michelson>{{cite gnis|id=1406268|name=Mount Michelson|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Bashful Peak]] {{convert|8005|ft|m|0}}
* [[Bashful Peak]] {{convert|8005|ft|m|0}}
* [[Mount Billy Mitchell (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Billy Mitchell]] {{convert|6919|ft|m|0}}<ref name=BillyMitchell>{{cite gnis|id=1847236|name=Mount Billy Mitchell|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
* [[Mount Billy Mitchell (Chugach Mountains)|Mount Billy Mitchell]] {{convert|6968|ft|m|0}}<ref name=BillyMitchell>{{cite gnis|id=1847236|name=Mount Billy Mitchell|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Mount Palmer (Alaska)|Mount Palmer]] {{convert|6585|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Palmer>{{cite gnis|id=1407741|name=Mount Palmer|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
* [[Mount Palmer (Alaska)|Mount Palmer]] {{convert|6703|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Palmer>{{cite gnis|id=1407741|name=Mount Palmer|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Eagle Peak (Alaska)|Eagle Peak]] {{convert|6424|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Eagle>{{cite gnis|id=1401542|name=Eagle Peak|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
* [[Eagle Peak (Alaska)|Eagle Peak]] {{convert|6909|ft|m|0|abbr=}}<ref name=Eagle>{{cite gnis|id=1401542|name=Eagle Peak|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Polar Bear Peak]] {{convert|5430|ft|m|0}}<ref name=PolarBear>{{cite gnis|id=1847257|name=Polar Bear Peak|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
* [[Polar Bear Peak]] {{convert|5656|ft|m|0}}<ref name=PolarBear>{{cite gnis|id=1847257|name=Polar Bear Peak|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Mount Williwaw]] {{convert|5445|ft|m|0}}<ref name="gnisww">{{cite gnis|id=1412071|name=Mount Williwaw|access-date=June 4, 2019}}</ref>
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* [[North Suicide Peak]] {{convert|5065|ft|m|0}}
* [[Ptarmigan Peak (Alaska)|Ptarmigan Peak]] {{convert|4409|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Ptarmigan>{{cite gnis|id=1415999|name=Ptarmigan Peak|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
* [[The Ramp (Alaska)|The Ramp]] {{convert|5240|ft|m|0}}<ref name="gnistr">{{cite gnis|id=1410833|name=The Ramp|access-date=June 3, 2019}}</ref>
⚫
* [[North Suicide Peak|North Yuyanq’ Ch’ex]] {{convert|5065|ft|m|0}}
* [[Ptarmigan Peak (Alaska)|Ptarmigan Peak]] {{convert|4839|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Ptarmigan>{{cite gnis|id=1415999|name=Ptarmigan Peak|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Byron Peak]] {{convert|4590|ft|m|0}}
* [[Byron Peak]] {{convert|4590|ft|m|0}}
* [[Flattop Mountain (Anchorage, Alaska)|Flattop Mountain]] {{convert|2979|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Flattop>{{cite gnis|id=1402210|name=Flattop Mountain|accessdate=2012-07-25}}</ref>
* [[Flattop Mountain (Anchorage, Alaska)|Flattop Mountain]] {{convert|3245|ft|m|0}}<ref name=Flattop>{{cite gnis|id=1402210|name=Flattop Mountain|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Bold Peak]] {{convert|7522|ft|m|0}}
* [[Bold Peak]] {{convert|7522|ft|m|0}}


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<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Bold Peak.JPG|Bold Peak
File:Bold Peak.JPG|Bold Peak
File:North Suicide Peak. Chugach Mountains, Alaska..jpg|North Suicide Peak
File:North Suicide Peak. Chugach Mountains, Alaska..jpg|North Yuyanq’ Ch’ex
File:Peters Creek backtounry below Mount Rumble.JPG|Peters Creek backcountry, below Mount Rumble
File:Peters Creek backtounry below Mount Rumble.JPG|Peters Creek backcountry, below [[Mount Rumble]]
File:Mount Eklutna.jpg|Mount Eklutna
File:Mount Eklutna.jpg|Mount Eklutna
File:Bashful Peak.jpg|[[Bashful Peak]], the tallest mountain in western Chugach State Park
File:Bashful Peak.jpg|[[Bashful Peak]], the tallest mountain in western Chugach State Park
File:ChugachMountainStream.jpg|Small stream in the Chugach Mountains
File:ChugachMountainStream.jpg|Small stream in the Chugach Mountains
File:Bold Peak. Chugach Mountains, Alaska.jpg|Bold Peak
File:Bold Peak. Chugach Mountains, Alaska.jpg|Bold Peak
File:First view of Twin Peaks near Eklutna Lake (3200967294).jpg|[[Twin Peaks (Alaska)|Twin Peaks]]
File:Mt. Rumble from the summit of Peak 5505. Chugach Mountains, Alaska - panoramio.jpg|[[Mount Rumble]]
File:Goat Mountain. Chugach State Park, Alaska.jpg|[[Goat Mountain (Alaska)|Goat Mountain]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Chugach Mountains}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Landforms of Chugach Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Landforms of Copper River Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of Alaska]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of Alaska]]
[[Category:Mountains of Anchorage, Alaska]]
[[Category:Mountains of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska]]
[[Category:Mountains of Unorganized Borough, Alaska]]

Latest revision as of 16:07, 26 September 2023

Chugach Mountains
View of the Chugach Mountains from the Glenn Highway, north of Anchorage
Highest point
PeakMount Marcus Baker
Elevation13,094 ft (3,991 m)
Coordinates61°26′14″N 147°45′10″W / 61.43722°N 147.75278°W / 61.43722; -147.75278
Dimensions
Length300 mi (480 km) E–W
Geography
Map
CountryUnited States
StateAlaska
Range coordinates61°10′N 145°20′W / 61.167°N 145.333°W / 61.167; -145.333
Parent rangePacific Coast Ranges
Alpine lakes in the Chugach Mountains
A peak in the Chugach Mountains

The Chugach Mountains of southern Alaska are the northernmost of the several mountain ranges that make up the Pacific Coast Ranges of the western edge of North America. The range is about 250 miles (402 km) long and 60 miles (97 km) wide, and extends from the Knik and Turnagain Arms of the Cook Inlet on the west to Bering Glacier, Tana Glacier, and the Tana River on the east. It is bounded on the north by the Matanuska, Copper, and Chitina rivers. The highest point of the Chugach Mountains is Mount Marcus Baker, at 13,094 feet (3,991 m), but with an average elevation of 4,006 feet (1,221 m), most of its summits are not especially high.[1] Even so, its position along the Gulf of Alaska ensures more snowfall in the Chugach than anywhere else in the world, an annual average of over 1500 cm (800 in).[2]

The mountains are protected in the Chugach State Park and the Chugach National Forest. Near to Anchorage, they are a popular destination for outdoor activities.

The Richardson Highway, Seward Highway, Portage Glacier Highway, and the Glenn Highway run through the Chugach Mountains. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel of the Portage Glacier Highway provides railroad and automobile access underneath Maynard Mountain between Portage Lake and the city of Whittier on Prince William Sound.

On Mount Gordon Lyon, at about the 4,000 feet (1,200 m) level, is a 300 feet (91 m) five-pointed star using around 350 light globes. This faces Anchorage to be visible from the city at night. It is illuminated to commemorate Christmas, being lit from Thanksgiving until Christmas Day; and, on 9/11. Maintenance is undertaken by the US Air Force’s Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, although it was established in around 1960 and formerly maintained by the US Army having been near the former Army (Nike missile Site Summit) in the mountains.[3]

History

[edit]

The name "Chugach" comes from Chugach Sugpiaq "Cuungaaciiq," Alaska Natives inhabiting the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound on the south coast of Alaska. The Chugach people are an Alutiiq (Pacific Eskimo) people who speak the Chugach dialect of the Alutiiq language. In 1898 United States Army Captain William R. Abercrombie spelled the name "Chugatch" and applied it to the mountains.[1] It is possible that the Koniagmiut (Sugpiat or Alutiit of the Kodiak Archipelago and the Alaska Peninsula) may also have called these northern Sugpiat "Cuungaaciirmiut" in ancient times but it is also possible that this was a neologism during Russian times.

Mountains

[edit]

The twelve highest peaks in the Chugach Mountains are listed below:

Rank Name Elevation Prominence Coordinates
1 Mount Marcus Baker 13,176 feet (4,016 m)[4] 61°26′16″N 147°45′02″W / 61.43778°N 147.75056°W / 61.43778; -147.75056
2 Mount Thor 12,251 feet (3,734 m)[5] 61°29′10″N 147°08′50″W / 61.48611°N 147.14722°W / 61.48611; -147.14722
3 Mount Valhalla 12,135 feet (3,699 m)[6] 61°27′36″N 147°04′45″W / 61.46000°N 147.07917°W / 61.46000; -147.07917
4 Mount Witherspoon 11,745 feet (3,580 m)[7] 61°23′43″N 147°12′05″W / 61.39528°N 147.20139°W / 61.39528; -147.20139
5 Mount Einstein 11,401 feet (3,475 m)[8] 61°21′26″N 147°05′47″W / 61.35722°N 147.09639°W / 61.35722; -147.09639
6 Mount Tom White 11,155 feet (3,400 m)[9] 60°39′09″N 143°41′44″W / 60.65250°N 143.69556°W / 60.65250; -143.69556
7 Icing Peak 10,955 feet (3,339 m)[10] 61°32′10″N 147°42′17″W / 61.53611°N 147.70472°W / 61.53611; -147.70472
8 Mount Grace 10,540 feet (3,213 m)[11] 61°19′06″N 147°53′14″W / 61.31833°N 147.88722°W / 61.31833; -147.88722
9 Mount Goode 10,384 feet (3,165 m)[12] 61°19′38″N 147°59′02″W / 61.32722°N 147.98389°W / 61.32722; -147.98389
10 Mount Steller 10,082 feet (3,073 m)[13] 60°31′07″N 143°05′59″W / 60.51861°N 143.09972°W / 60.51861; -143.09972
11 Mount Gannett 9,629 feet (2,935 m)[14] 61°14′32″N 148°11′36″W / 61.24222°N 148.19333°W / 61.24222; -148.19333
12 Mount Gilbert 9,101 feet (2,774 m)[15] 61°10′20″N 148°16′15″W / 61.17222°N 148.27083°W / 61.17222; -148.27083

Other important peaks in the Chugach Mountains include:

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Chugach Mountains". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  2. ^ Steep, Freeskiing Documentary, 2007
  3. ^ Airmen help save holiday tradition in Alaska’s largest city, The Associated Press/militarytimes.com, December 3, 2021
  4. ^ "Mount Marcus Baker". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  5. ^ "Mount Thor". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  6. ^ "Mount Valhalla". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  7. ^ "Mount Witherspoon". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  8. ^ "Mount Einstein". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  9. ^ "Mount Tom White". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  10. ^ "Icing Peak". Chugach Mountains. peakbagger.com. 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  11. ^ "Mount Grace". Chugach Mountains. peakbagger.com. 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  12. ^ "Mount Goode". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  13. ^ "Mount Steller". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  14. ^ "Mount Gannett". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  15. ^ "Mount Gilbert". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
  16. ^ "Mount Michelson". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  17. ^ "Mount Billy Mitchell". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  18. ^ "Mount Palmer". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  19. ^ "Eagle Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  20. ^ "Polar Bear Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  21. ^ "Mount Williwaw". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  22. ^ "The Ramp". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  23. ^ "Ptarmigan Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  24. ^ "Flattop Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
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