Checkerboard Mesa peak
Checkerboard Mesa rises to 6,680 ft in Intermountain-West within the Colorado Plateau range.
Rising to an elevation of approximately 7,470 feet, this unique mountain stands out with its distinct checkerboard-like pattern on its surface. The mesa covers an area of about 1.8 square miles, making it a notable feature in the region.
During the winter season, Checkerboard Mesa experiences a varying snowpack range. The amount of snowfall can significantly differ from year to year due to the region's unpredictable weather patterns. Snow can accumulate heavily on the mesa, creating a picturesque winter landscape that attracts outdoor enthusiasts.
The mountain's runoff feeds into several creeks and rivers in the surrounding area, including the nearby North Creek and the East Fork of the Virgin River. This runoff plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing water to support vegetation and wildlife.
The name "Checkerboard Mesa" is believed to have originated from the unique pattern of horizontal and vertical cracks that resembles a checkerboard. This distinctive feature has captivated the imagination of locals and visitors alike, giving rise to various legends and lore about its formation. While there may be different interpretations of the mountain's history, the name itself is widely recognized and embraced by the local community. Checkerboard Mesa continues to be a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the beauty and mystery of the Intermountain West mountain range.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Intermountain-West range.
Snowpack near Checkerboard Mesa
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 Merchant Valley | 201 in | → |
| 12m11 - Yankee Reservoir | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc 12m14 - Brian Head Snow Course | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Castle Valley | 1 in | → |
| Fremont Indian S.P. | 1 in | → |
| Kimberly Mine | 4 in | → |
| Brian Head | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Webster Flat | 1 in | → |
| Kolob | 211 in | → |
| Big Flat | 3 in | → |
| Long Valley Jct | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Big Flat | 2 in | → |
Streamflow near Checkerboard Mesa
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin River Ab Quail Creek Near Hurricane | 57 cfs | → |
| Virgin River Near Hurricane | 51 cfs | → |
| Kanab Creek Near Kanab | 6 cfs | → |
| Santa Clara River At St. George | 3 cfs | → |
| East Fork Virgin River Near Springdale | 42 cfs | → |
| Virgin River Near Bloomington | 50 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 Checkerboard Mesa
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Checkerboard Mesa.
Ski areas
- Brighton Ski Resort
- Park City Mountain Resort
- Arizona Snowbowl
- Snowbasin
- Solitude Mountain Resort
- Sundance
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