Outpost Peak


Outpost Peak is a double peak mountain located in the Tonquin Valley of Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. The northeast peak is identified on some maps as Outpost Peak, but the southwest peak is higher. Outpost Peak is composed of sedimentary rock laid down during the Cambrian period, then was pushed east and over the top of younger rock during the Laramide orogeny. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Erebus, to the south. The Continental Divide lies to the west, Angle Peak is situated to the southeast, and The Ramparts are to the north. The mountain's descriptive name was applied in 1921 by the Interprovincial Boundary Survey in keeping with the castle theme of the Ramparts area. The mountain's name was officially adopted in 1935 when approved by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Outpost Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with cold, snowy winters, and mild summers. Temperatures can drop below with wind chill factors below. This climate supports a small glacier on the north slope, the Eremite Glacier on the south aspect, and the Fraser Glacier to the west. In terms of favorable weather, July and August present the best months for climbing. Precipitation runoff from Outpost Peak drains into the Astoria River, a tributary of the Athabasca River.