Black Peak (Chigmit Mountains)


Black Peak is a prominent 6,385-foot glaciated mountain summit located in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, in the Chigmit Mountains of the Aleutian Range, in the US state of Alaska. It is the second-highest non-volcanic peak in the Chigmit Mountains, and fourth-highest overall. The mountain is situated west of Cook Inlet, west-southwest of Anchorage, and northeast of Double Peak, which is the nearest higher peak. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant since the mountain rises up 6,200 feet from North Fork Big River in about two miles. The mountain's descriptive name was published in 1912 by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing the peak.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Black Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone, with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. Precipitation runoff from the mountain and meltwater from its glaciers drains into Cook Inlet via Big River.