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Coordinates: 43°57′41″N 109°19′51″W / 43.96139°N 109.33083°W / 43.96139; -109.33083
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{{Short description|Mountain range in Montana and Wyoming, United States}}
{{Infobox mountain range | range =
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name=Absaroka Range
| name=Absaroka Range
| photo =Absaroka range2.jpg
| photo=Absaroka range2.jpg
| photo_caption =Absaroka range as seen from west of Livingston, Montana
| photo_caption=Absaroka range as seen from west of Livingston, Montana
| highest=[[Francs Peak]]
| country=United States
| state=Montana | state1=Wyoming
| parent=Rocky Mountains| border=[[Beartooth Mountains]] | border1=[[Wind River Range]]
| length_mi=150 | length_orientation=
| width_mi=75 | width_orientation=
| highest=Francs Peak
| elevation_ft=13153
| elevation_ft=13153
| elevation_ref=<ref name=pb>{{cite peakbagger|pid= 5311|name=Francs Peak, Wyoming|access-date=October 18, 2020}}</ref>
| coordinates = {{coord|43|57|41|N|109|19|51|W|type:mountain|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates= {{coord|43|57|41|N|109|19|51|W|type:mountain|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_ref=<ref name=gnis>{{cite gnis|id= 1599842|name=Francs Peak|access-date=October 18, 2020}}</ref>
| country= United States
| subdivision1_type= States
| subdivision1= {{hlist|Montana|Wyoming}}
| parent= Rocky Mountains
| borders_on= {{hlist|[[Beartooth Mountains]]|[[Wind River Range]]}}
| length_mi=150
| length_orientation=
| length_ref=
| width_mi=75
| width_orientation=
| width_ref=
| map_image=Wpdms nasa topo absaroka range.jpg
| map_image=Wpdms nasa topo absaroka range.jpg
| map_caption=Absaroka Range is shown highlighted in pink on a map of the western United States}}
| map_caption=Absaroka Range is shown highlighted in pink on a map of the western United States
| range_coordinates=

| range_coordinates_ref=
The '''Absaroka Range''' ({{IPAc-en|ə|b|ˈ|s|ɔər|k|ə}} or {{IPAc-en|local|ə|b|ˈ|s|ɔər|k|i}}) is a sub-[[mountain range|range]] of the [[Rocky Mountains]] in the [[United States]]. The range stretches about 150&nbsp;mi (240&nbsp;km) across the [[Montana]]-[[Wyoming]] border, and 75 miles at its widest, forming the eastern boundary of [[Yellowstone National Park]] along [[Paradise Valley (Montana)]], and the western side of the [[Bighorn Basin]]. The range borders the [[Beartooth Mountains]] to the north and the [[Wind River Range]] to the south. The northern edge of the range rests along [[I-90 (MT)|I-90]] and [[Livingston Montana|Livingston, Montana]]. The highest peak in the range is [[Francs Peak]], located in [[Wyoming]] at {{convert|13153|ft|m|abbr=on}}. There are 46 other peaks over {{convert|12000|ft|m|abbr=on}}.
}}
The '''Absaroka Range''' is a sub-[[mountain range|range]] of the [[Rocky Mountains]] in the [[United States]]. The range stretches about {{cvt|150|mi|-1}} across the [[Montana]]–[[Wyoming]] border, and {{cvt|75|mi|-1}} at its widest, forming the eastern boundary of [[Yellowstone National Park]] along [[Paradise Valley (Montana)|Paradise Valley]], and the western side of the [[Bighorn Basin]]. The range borders the [[Beartooth Mountains]] to the north and the [[Wind River Range]] to the south. The northern edge of the range rests along [[I-90 (MT)|I-90]] and [[Livingston, Montana]]. The highest peak in the range is [[Francs Peak]], located in [[Wyoming]] at {{cvt|13153|ft|m}}. There are 46 other peaks over {{cvt|12000|ft|m}}.


==Geography==
==Geography==
Line 22: Line 34:


[[U.S. Highway 212]] from [[Billings, Montana]] to Yellowstone climbs over [[Beartooth Pass]] {{convert|10947|ft|m|abbr=on}} in the neighboring [[Beartooth Mountains]] before winding through the Absarokas to the northeast gate of [[Yellowstone National Park]]. It is only open during the summer. [[U.S. Route 14|U.S Route 14/16/20]] follows the [[Shoshone River]] from [[Cody, Wyoming|Cody]] through the range to the eastern gate of the park.
[[U.S. Highway 212]] from [[Billings, Montana]] to Yellowstone climbs over [[Beartooth Pass]] {{convert|10947|ft|m|abbr=on}} in the neighboring [[Beartooth Mountains]] before winding through the Absarokas to the northeast gate of [[Yellowstone National Park]]. It is only open during the summer. [[U.S. Route 14|U.S Route 14/16/20]] follows the [[Shoshone River]] from [[Cody, Wyoming|Cody]] through the range to the eastern gate of the park.

==Climate==

{{Weather box
|location = Parker Peak, Wyoming, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1980–present
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes

|Jan record high F = 54
|Feb record high F = 57
|Mar record high F = 61
|Apr record high F = 71
|May record high F = 75
|Jun record high F = 77
|Jul record high F = 82
|Aug record high F = 81
|Sep record high F = 79
|Oct record high F = 70
|Nov record high F = 62
|Dec record high F = 55

|Jan avg record high F = 44.2
|Feb avg record high F = 45.3
|Mar avg record high F = 52.1
|Apr avg record high F = 58.3
|May avg record high F = 64.6
|Jun avg record high F = 70.0
|Jul avg record high F = 75.5
|Aug avg record high F = 74.8
|Sep avg record high F = 70.5
|Oct avg record high F = 61.1
|Nov avg record high F = 49.4
|Dec avg record high F = 41.3
|year avg record high F = 76.4

|Jan high F = 25.3
|Feb high F = 28.3
|Mar high F = 36.0
|Apr high F = 42.1
|May high F = 50.0
|Jun high F = 56.7
|Jul high F = 66.3
|Aug high F = 65.1
|Sep high F = 56.2
|Oct high F = 42.8
|Nov high F = 30.8
|Dec high F = 23.6
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 17.1
|Feb mean F = 18.7
|Mar mean F = 25.3
|Apr mean F = 30.8
|May mean F = 39.4
|Jun mean F = 46.5
|Jul mean F = 55.3
|Aug mean F = 54.5
|Sep mean F = 46.1
|Oct mean F = 33.8
|Nov mean F = 22.8
|Dec mean F = 16.1
|year mean F = 33.9

|Jan low F = 9.0
|Feb low F = 9.1
|Mar low F = 14.7
|Apr low F = 19.6
|May low F = 28.8
|Jun low F = 36.2
|Jul low F = 44.4
|Aug low F = 43.5
|Sep low F = 36.0
|Oct low F = 24.8
|Nov low F = 14.7
|Dec low F = 8.5
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = -9.9
|Feb avg record low F = -10.2
|Mar avg record low F = -2.1
|Apr avg record low F = 5.2
|May avg record low F = 14.8
|Jun avg record low F = 25.1
|Jul avg record low F = 35.5
|Aug avg record low F = 32.9
|Sep avg record low F = 21.2
|Oct avg record low F = 6.5
|Nov avg record low F = -3.8
|Dec avg record low F = -10.7
|year avg record low F = -18.1

|Jan record low F = -28
|Feb record low F = -23
|Mar record low F = -19
|Apr record low F = -9
|May record low F = 7
|Jun record low F = 17
|Jul record low F = 26
|Aug record low F = 20
|Sep record low F = 2
|Oct record low F = -12
|Nov record low F = -19
|Dec record low F = -33

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.18
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.16
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.24
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.73
|May precipitation inch = 3.66
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.01
|Jul precipitation inch = 1.44
|Aug precipitation inch = 1.34
|Sep precipitation inch = 2.03
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.05
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.44
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.59
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 15.2
|Feb precipitation days = 14.1
|Mar precipitation days = 15.9
|Apr precipitation days = 17.1
|May precipitation days = 15.9
|Jun precipitation days = 12.8
|Jul precipitation days = 7.7
|Aug precipitation days = 7.0
|Sep precipitation days = 9.0
|Oct precipitation days = 13.5
|Nov precipitation days = 14.5
|Dec precipitation days = 16.0

|Jan snow inch =
|Feb snow inch =
|Mar snow inch =
|Apr snow inch =
|May snow inch =
|Jun snow inch =
|Jul snow inch =
|Aug snow inch =
|Sep snow inch =
|Oct snow inch =
|Nov snow inch =
|Dec snow inch =
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days =
|Feb snow days =
|Mar snow days =
|Apr snow days =
|May snow days =
|Jun snow days =
|Jul snow days =
|Aug snow days =
|Sep snow days =
|Oct snow days =
|Nov snow days =
|Dec snow days =

|Jan snow depth inch = 64.3
|Feb snow depth inch = 75.7
|Mar snow depth inch = 82.7
|Apr snow depth inch = 87.5
|May snow depth inch = 75.7
|Jun snow depth inch = 38.7
|Jul snow depth inch = 3.3
|Aug snow depth inch = 0.2
|Sep snow depth inch = 3.3
|Oct snow depth inch = 15.4
|Nov snow depth inch = 32.7
|Dec snow depth inch = 51.2
|year snow depth inch = 88.9

|source 1 = XMACIS2 (snow depth 2006&ndash;2020)<ref name = XMACIS2>
{{cite web
|url = https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = xmACIS2
|access-date = May 29, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}


==History==
==History==
The range is named after the [[Crow Nation|Absaroka]] Indians.<ref name=gannett/> The name is derived from the [[Hidatsa language|Hidatsa]] name for the [[Crow people]]; it means "children of the large-beaked bird."<ref>{{cite book|title=Montana Place Names: From Alzada To Zortman |publisher=Montana Historical Society Press| year=2009 |page=2| isbn=9780975919613}}</ref> (In contrast, the Crow name, ''Awaxaawe Báaxxioo'', means "Pointed Mountains [Like Sand Castles]."){{cite web|title=Apsáalooke Place Names Database|url=http://lib.lbhc.edu/index.php?q=node/200&a=A|website=Little Big Horn College Library|accessdate=10 October 2020}}
The range is named after the [[Crow Nation|Absaroka]] Native People.<ref name=gannett/> The name is derived from the [[Hidatsa language|Hidatsa]] name for the [[Crow people]]; it means "children of the large-beaked bird."<ref>{{cite book|title=Montana Place Names: From Alzada To Zortman |publisher=Montana Historical Society Press| year=2009 |page=2| isbn=9780975919613}}</ref> (In contrast, the Crow name, ''Awaxaawe Báaxxioo'', means "Pointed Mountains [Like Sand Castles].")<ref name=LBHC/>


[[John Colter]], who may have been the first white person to visit the area,{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} probably traveled along the foot of the Absarokas in 1807 during his reconnaissance of the Yellowstone region.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/grte1/index.htm |chapter-url=http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/grte1/chap3.htm|title=Colter's Hell and Jackson's Hole |chapter=III. John Colter, The Phantom Explorer—1807-1808 |last=Mattes |first=Merrill J.|year=1962 |publisher= Yellowstone Library and Museum Association & Grand Teton Natural History Association}}</ref> Early explorers also included [[Gustavus Cheyney Doane]] and [[Nathaniel P. Langford]], who climbed the summit of [[Colter Peak]] in 1870.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Langford|first1=Nathaniel Pitt|title=Diary of the Washburn expedition to the Yellowstone and Firehole rivers in the year 1870|date=1905|url=https://archive.org/details/diaryofwashburne00langrich|accessdate=28 July 2015}}</ref>
[[John Colter]], who may have been the first white person to visit the area,<ref name="Harris1993"/> probably traveled along the foot of the Absarokas in 1807 during his reconnaissance of the Yellowstone region.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/grte1/index.htm |chapter-url=http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/grte1/chap3.htm|title=Colter's Hell and Jackson's Hole |chapter=III. John Colter, The Phantom Explorer—1807-1808 |last=Mattes |first=Merrill J.|year=1962 |publisher= Yellowstone Library and Museum Association & Grand Teton Natural History Association}}</ref> Early explorers also included [[Gustavus Cheyney Doane]] and [[Nathaniel P. Langford]], who climbed the summit of [[Colter Peak]] in 1870.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Langford|first1=Nathaniel Pitt|title=Diary of the Washburn expedition to the Yellowstone and Firehole rivers in the year 1870|date=1905|url=https://archive.org/details/diaryofwashburne00langrich|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>


The proposed state of [[Absaroka (proposed state)|Absaroka]] shared the same age with the mountain range.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Frank |date=July 23, 2010 |title=Absaroka, a State of Rebellion Against FDR's New Deal |url=https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/301-look-at-the-state-youre-in-absaroka/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=Big Think |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Nate |title=The State of Absaroka |url=http://www.southdakotamagazine.com/absaroka |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=www.southdakotamagazine.com}}</ref> The [[USS Absaroka (1917)|USS ''Absaroka'']] was named after this mountain range.
[[USS Absaroka (1917)|USS ''Absaroka'']] was named after this mountain range.


==Geology==
==Geology==
Geologically, the section of the range in Wyoming consists of [[volcanic breccia]], whereas there is a transition to [[granite]] and [[Gneiss|gneiss bedrock ]] further north of the state line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.summitpost.org/absaroka-range/170852|date=June 2, 2013|accessdate=July 27, 2015 |title=Absaroka Range|website=summitpost.org}}</ref>
Geologically, the section of the range in Wyoming consists of [[volcanic breccia]], whereas there is a transition to [[granite]] and [[Gneiss|gneiss bedrock ]] further north of the state line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.summitpost.org/absaroka-range/170852|date=June 2, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2015 |title=Absaroka Range|website=summitpost.org}}</ref>


===Absaroka Volcanic Province===
===Absaroka Volcanic Province===
[[Igneous rock]]s of the Absaroka Volcanic Province cover an area of approximately {{convert|23000|km2|sqmi ha|abbr=on}} in southwestern [[Montana]] and northwestern [[Wyoming]], including roughly one third of [[Yellowstone National Park]]. These [[extrusive]] rocks were erupted during the [[Eocene]] [[Epoch (geology)|Epoch]] of the [[Paleogene]] [[Period (geology)|Period]]. [[Radiometric dating]] has shown that eruptive activity lasted from about {{ma|53|43.7|million years ago}}. The eroded remnants of many large [[stratovolcano]]es are found in the area. The dissection of these long [[extinct volcano]]es by [[erosion]] allows [[geologist]]s to see volcanic structures that are impossible to see in [[active volcano]]es. Many terms now widely used in [[volcanology]] originated in nineteenth century field studies of these ancient volcanoes.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hiza|first1=Margaret M.|title=The Geologic History of the Absaroka Volcanic Province|journal=Yellowstone Science|date=Spring 1998|volume=6|issue=2|page=2|url=http://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/upload/YS_6_2_sm.pdf| accessdate=28 July 2015}}</ref>
[[Igneous rock]]s of the Absaroka Volcanic Province cover an area of approximately {{convert|23000|km2|sqmi ha|abbr=on}} in southwestern [[Montana]] and northwestern [[Wyoming]], including roughly one third of [[Yellowstone National Park]]. These [[extrusive]] rocks were erupted during the [[Eocene]] [[Epoch (geology)|Epoch]] of the [[Paleogene]] [[Period (geology)|Period]]. [[Radiometric dating]] has shown that eruptive activity lasted from about {{ma|53|43.7|million years ago}}. The eroded remnants of many large [[stratovolcano]]es are found in the area. The dissection of these long [[extinct volcano]]es by [[erosion]] allows [[geologist]]s to see volcanic structures that are impossible to see in [[active volcano]]es. Many terms now widely used in [[volcanology]] originated in nineteenth century field studies of these ancient volcanoes.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hiza|first1=Margaret M.|title=The Geologic History of the Absaroka Volcanic Province|journal=Yellowstone Science|date=Spring 1998|volume=6|issue=2|page=2|url=http://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/upload/YS_6_2_sm.pdf| access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed heights=165>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="165">
File:Pilot and Index Peaks.jpg|Pilot and Index peaks in the Absaroka Mountains
File:Pilot and Index Peaks.jpg|Pilot and Index peaks in the Absaroka Mountains
File:WestslopeAbsarokaRangeMontana.jpg|Western face of Absarokas from [[Paradise Valley (Montana)]]
File:WestslopeAbsarokaRangeMontana.jpg|Western face of Absarokas from [[Paradise Valley (Montana)]]
Line 46: Line 242:


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Mountains and mountain ranges of Yellowstone National Park]]
* [[List of mountains and mountain ranges of Yellowstone National Park]]
* [[List of mountain ranges in Montana]]
* [[List of mountain ranges in Montana]]
* [[List of mountain ranges in Wyoming]]
* [[List of mountain ranges in Wyoming]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name=gannett>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ |title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States |author=Gannett, Henry |publisher=United States Geological Survey |location=Washington, D.C. |year=1905 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n15 16] |accessdate=August 22, 2017}}</ref>
<ref name=gannett>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ |title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States |author=Gannett, Henry |publisher=United States Geological Survey |location=Washington, D.C. |year=1905 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n15 16] |access-date=August 22, 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="Harris1993">
{{cite book|last1=Harris|first1=Burton|title=John Colter, his years in the Rockies|date=1993
|publisher=University of Nebraska Press|location=Lincoln|isbn=978-0803272644|edition=1. Bison Book print.}}</ref>
<ref name=LBHC>{{cite web |title=Apsáalooke Place Names Database |url=http://lib.lbhc.edu/index.php?q=node/200&a=A |website=Little Big Horn College Library |access-date=10 October 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}


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{{Wyoming}}
{{Wyoming}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Clear}}


[[Category:Ranges of the Rocky Mountains]]
[[Category:Ranges of the Rocky Mountains]]

Latest revision as of 16:57, 3 November 2024

Absaroka Range
Absaroka range as seen from west of Livingston, Montana
Highest point
PeakFrancs Peak
Elevation13,153 ft (4,009 m)[1]
Coordinates43°57′41″N 109°19′51″W / 43.96139°N 109.33083°W / 43.96139; -109.33083[2]
Dimensions
Length150 mi (240 km)
Width75 mi (121 km)
Geography
Absaroka Range is shown highlighted in pink on a map of the western United States
CountryUnited States
States
  • Montana
  • Wyoming
Parent rangeRocky Mountains
Borders on

The Absaroka Range is a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. The range stretches about 150 mi (240 km) across the Montana–Wyoming border, and 75 mi (120 km) at its widest, forming the eastern boundary of Yellowstone National Park along Paradise Valley, and the western side of the Bighorn Basin. The range borders the Beartooth Mountains to the north and the Wind River Range to the south. The northern edge of the range rests along I-90 and Livingston, Montana. The highest peak in the range is Francs Peak, located in Wyoming at 13,153 ft (4,009 m). There are 46 other peaks over 12,000 ft (3,700 m).

Geography

[edit]

The range is drained by the Yellowstone River and various tributaries, including the Bighorn River.

Most of the range lies within protected lands including Yellowstone Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, North Absaroka Wilderness, Teton Wilderness, and Washakie Wilderness, spanning the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Custer National Forest, Gallatin National Forest, and Shoshone National Forest.

U.S. Highway 212 from Billings, Montana to Yellowstone climbs over Beartooth Pass 10,947 ft (3,337 m) in the neighboring Beartooth Mountains before winding through the Absarokas to the northeast gate of Yellowstone National Park. It is only open during the summer. U.S Route 14/16/20 follows the Shoshone River from Cody through the range to the eastern gate of the park.

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Parker Peak, Wyoming, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1980–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 54
(12) 		57
(14) 		61
(16) 		71
(22) 		75
(24) 		77
(25) 		82
(28) 		81
(27) 		79
(26) 		70
(21) 		62
(17) 		55
(13) 		82
(28)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 44.2
(6.8) 		45.3
(7.4) 		52.1
(11.2) 		58.3
(14.6) 		64.6
(18.1) 		70.0
(21.1) 		75.5
(24.2) 		74.8
(23.8) 		70.5
(21.4) 		61.1
(16.2) 		49.4
(9.7) 		41.3
(5.2) 		76.4
(24.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 25.3
(−3.7) 		28.3
(−2.1) 		36.0
(2.2) 		42.1
(5.6) 		50.0
(10.0) 		56.7
(13.7) 		66.3
(19.1) 		65.1
(18.4) 		56.2
(13.4) 		42.8
(6.0) 		30.8
(−0.7) 		23.6
(−4.7) 		43.6
(6.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 17.1
(−8.3) 		18.7
(−7.4) 		25.3
(−3.7) 		30.8
(−0.7) 		39.4
(4.1) 		46.5
(8.1) 		55.3
(12.9) 		54.5
(12.5) 		46.1
(7.8) 		33.8
(1.0) 		22.8
(−5.1) 		16.1
(−8.8) 		33.9
(1.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 9.0
(−12.8) 		9.1
(−12.7) 		14.7
(−9.6) 		19.6
(−6.9) 		28.8
(−1.8) 		36.2
(2.3) 		44.4
(6.9) 		43.5
(6.4) 		36.0
(2.2) 		24.8
(−4.0) 		14.7
(−9.6) 		8.5
(−13.1) 		24.1
(−4.4)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −9.9
(−23.3) 		−10.2
(−23.4) 		−2.1
(−18.9) 		5.2
(−14.9) 		14.8
(−9.6) 		25.1
(−3.8) 		35.5
(1.9) 		32.9
(0.5) 		21.2
(−6.0) 		6.5
(−14.2) 		−3.8
(−19.9) 		−10.7
(−23.7) 		−18.1
(−27.8)
Record low °F (°C) −28
(−33) 		−23
(−31) 		−19
(−28) 		−9
(−23) 		7
(−14) 		17
(−8) 		26
(−3) 		20
(−7) 		2
(−17) 		−12
(−24) 		−19
(−28) 		−33
(−36) 		−33
(−36)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.18
(81) 		3.16
(80) 		3.24
(82) 		3.73
(95) 		3.66
(93) 		3.01
(76) 		1.44
(37) 		1.34
(34) 		2.03
(52) 		3.05
(77) 		3.44
(87) 		3.59
(91) 		34.87
(885)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 64.3
(163) 		75.7
(192) 		82.7
(210) 		87.5
(222) 		75.7
(192) 		38.7
(98) 		3.3
(8.4) 		0.2
(0.51) 		3.3
(8.4) 		15.4
(39) 		32.7
(83) 		51.2
(130) 		88.9
(226)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 15.2 14.1 15.9 17.1 15.9 12.8 7.7 7.0 9.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 158.7
Source: XMACIS2 (snow depth 2006–2020)[3]

History

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The range is named after the Absaroka Native People.[4] The name is derived from the Hidatsa name for the Crow people; it means "children of the large-beaked bird."[5] (In contrast, the Crow name, Awaxaawe Báaxxioo, means "Pointed Mountains [Like Sand Castles].")[6]

John Colter, who may have been the first white person to visit the area,[7] probably traveled along the foot of the Absarokas in 1807 during his reconnaissance of the Yellowstone region.[8] Early explorers also included Gustavus Cheyney Doane and Nathaniel P. Langford, who climbed the summit of Colter Peak in 1870.[9]

The proposed state of Absaroka shared the same age with the mountain range.[10][11] The USS Absaroka was named after this mountain range.

Geology

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Geologically, the section of the range in Wyoming consists of volcanic breccia, whereas there is a transition to granite and gneiss bedrock further north of the state line.[12]

Absaroka Volcanic Province

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Igneous rocks of the Absaroka Volcanic Province cover an area of approximately 23,000 km2 (8,900 sq mi; 2,300,000 ha) in southwestern Montana and northwestern Wyoming, including roughly one third of Yellowstone National Park. These extrusive rocks were erupted during the Eocene Epoch of the Paleogene Period. Radiometric dating has shown that eruptive activity lasted from about 53 to 43.7 million years ago. The eroded remnants of many large stratovolcanoes are found in the area. The dissection of these long extinct volcanoes by erosion allows geologists to see volcanic structures that are impossible to see in active volcanoes. Many terms now widely used in volcanology originated in nineteenth century field studies of these ancient volcanoes.[13]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Francs Peak, Wyoming". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  2. ^ "Francs Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  3. ^ "xmACIS2". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Washington, D.C.: United States Geological Survey. pp. 16. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
  5. ^ Montana Place Names: From Alzada To Zortman. Montana Historical Society Press. 2009. p. 2. ISBN 9780975919613.
  6. ^ "Apsáalooke Place Names Database". Little Big Horn College Library. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  7. ^ Harris, Burton (1993). John Colter, his years in the Rockies (1. Bison Book print. ed.). Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 978-0803272644.
  8. ^ Mattes, Merrill J. (1962). "III. John Colter, The Phantom Explorer—1807-1808". Colter's Hell and Jackson's Hole. Yellowstone Library and Museum Association & Grand Teton Natural History Association.
  9. ^ Langford, Nathaniel Pitt (1905). Diary of the Washburn expedition to the Yellowstone and Firehole rivers in the year 1870. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  10. ^ Jacobs, Frank (July 23, 2010). "Absaroka, a State of Rebellion Against FDR's New Deal". Big Think. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  11. ^ Pedersen, Nate. "The State of Absaroka". www.southdakotamagazine.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  12. ^ "Absaroka Range". summitpost.org. June 2, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  13. ^ Hiza, Margaret M. (Spring 1998). "The Geologic History of the Absaroka Volcanic Province" (PDF). Yellowstone Science. 6 (2): 2. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
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