Mount Formidable peak
Mount Formidable rises to 8,325 ft in Cascade-Range within the Cascade Range range.
It stands tall at an elevation of 2,617 meters (8,586 feet), making it a challenging and sought-after destination for mountaineers. The mountain's size is notable, with a prominence of 1,272 meters (4,173 feet) and a topographic isolation of 16.2 kilometers (10.1 miles).
During the winter seasons, Mount Formidable experiences a significant snowpack range due to its high elevation and location in a region known for heavy snowfall. The snowpack can vary depending on weather patterns, but it typically accumulates from late fall through early spring, providing excellent opportunities for winter mountaineering and skiing.
Mount Formidable is surrounded by several creeks and rivers that benefit from its runoff. The most notable watercourses include the Spidery Creek, Middle Fork Cascade River, and North Fork Cascade River. These rivers flow through breathtaking valleys, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and providing habitats for various flora and fauna.
Regarding its name, Mount Formidable is believed to have been named by Albert H. Sylvester, an early explorer of the Cascade Range. The name reflects the mountain's imposing and rugged appearance, as it is characterized by steep and jagged cliffs. Although no specific legends or lore are widely known about this mountain, its name alone evokes a sense of awe and respect among mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Sources:
1. "Mount Formidable" - SummitPost: https://www.summitpost.org/mount-formidable/150217
2. "Mount Formidable, Washington" - Peakbagger: https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1532
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Cascade-Range range.
Snowpack near Mount Formidable
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rainy Pass | 3 in | → |
| Skookum Creek | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Brown Top | 20 in | → |
| Beaver Pass | 1 in | → |
| Skookum Creek | 1 in | → |
| Berne | 4 in | → |
| Stevens Pass - Schmidt Haus | 6 in | → |
| Nohrsc Alpine Meadows | 1 in | → |
| Rainy Pass | 3 in | → |
| Stevens Pass - Grace Lakes | 0 in | → |
| Alpental Mid-Mountain | 9 in | → |
| Harts Pass | 10 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Formidable
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sauk River At Darrington | 5,220 cfs | → |
| Newhalem Creek Near Newhalem | 30 cfs | → |
| Sauk River Near Sauk | 6,640 cfs | → |
| Sauk River Ab Whitechuck River Near Darrington | 2,140 cfs | → |
| Cascade River At Marblemount | 1,980 cfs | → |
| Stehekin River At Stehekin | 2,020 cfs | → |
| Salix Creek At S Cascade Gl Near Marblemount | 0 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 Mount Formidable
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Formidable.
Ski areas
- Silvertip
- Mt. Baker Ski Area
- Lac Le Jeune
- Mission Ridge Ski Area
- Nickel Plate Nordic Centre
- Badger Mountain Ski Area
River runs
- Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Stehekin River
- Headwaters And Includes Tributaries To Confluence With Stehekin River
- Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries Including The West And South Fork Flat Creek To Confluence With Stehekin River
- Headwaters And Includes Four Remaining Unnamed Tributaries To Cottonwood Campground
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