Francs Peak peak
Francs Peak rises to 13,153 ft in Absaroka-Range within the Absaroka Range range.
Standing at an elevation of 13,153 feet (4,009 meters), it offers a challenging yet rewarding climb for experienced mountaineers. The peak is situated within the Shoshone National Forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
During the winter season, Francs Peak experiences a significant amount of snowfall, making it a popular destination for backcountry skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The snowpack range varies each year, but on average, it can reach depths of several feet, providing excellent opportunities for winter recreation.
Several creeks and rivers receive runoff from Francs Peak, including the North Fork Shoshone River, Wood River, and Greybull River, which are vital sources of water for the surrounding ecosystems. These waterways create scenic landscapes and offer opportunities for fishing and other recreational activities.
The name "Francs Peak" is derived from the Frémont Expedition, led by John C. Frémont in 1842. Legend has it that Frémont named the peak after one of his French-Canadian trapper companions, François. Over the years, Francs Peak has become an iconic landmark, attracting both adventurers and those fascinated by its history.
Sources:
- U.S. Geological Survey: https://www.usgs.gov/
- Shoshone National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/shoshone
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Absaroka-Range range.
Snowpack near Francs Peak
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Townsend Creek Snotel | 7 in | → |
| Marquette | 1 in | → |
| Parker Peak | 33 in | → |
| Nohrsc Kirwin Snotel | 144 in | → |
| Kirwin | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Beartooth Lake Snotel | 57 in | → |
| Nohrsc Evening Star Snotel | 44 in | → |
| Nohrsc Cold Springs Snotel | 182 in | → |
| South Pass | 7 in | → |
| Beartooth Lake | 55 in | → |
| Nohrsc Marquette Snotel | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Timber Creek Snotel | 184 in | → |
Streamflow near Francs Peak
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Clarks Fork Yellowstone River Nr Belfry Mt | 2,410 cfs | → |
| Wind River Near Kinnear | 546 cfs | → |
| Shoshone River Below Buffalo Bill Reservoir | 315 cfs | → |
| Rock Creek Near Red Lodge Mt | 192 cfs | → |
| North Fork Shoshone River At Wapiti | 1,870 cfs | → |
| Bull Lake Creek Above Bull Lake | 480 cfs | → |
| Soda Butte Cr At Park Bndry At Silver Gate | 149 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Francs Peak
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Francs Peak.
Get Francs Peak on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen
Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.