Mount Rushmore peak
Mount Rushmore rises to 5,275 ft in North-American-Plains within the Black Hills range.
This colossal sculpture stands at an elevation of approximately 5,725 feet (1,745 meters) above sea level. Carved into the granite face of the mountain are the heads of four influential American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The memorial measures about 60 feet (18 meters) in height and is a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
During the winter season, the North American Plains mountain range, including Mount Rushmore, experiences a relatively moderate snowpack range. The region typically receives an average annual snowfall of around 40 inches (101 cm). This snowpack can accumulate from late November through early April. The runoff from the melting snow primarily feeds into nearby creeks, such as Grizzly Bear Creek and French Creek, as well as into the Belle Fourche River.
The name "Mount Rushmore" pays homage to New York lawyer Charles E. Rushmore, who visited the area in the 1880s. However, it wasn't until the early 1920s that sculptor Gutzon Borglum and a team of workers began the ambitious project of carving the presidential heads into the mountain. Over the years, Mount Rushmore has become a symbol of American identity and national pride. It is not only a testament to the country's history but also an awe-inspiring sight that showcases the remarkable skill and dedication of its creators.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the North-American-Plains range.
Snowpack near Mount Rushmore
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lead 5.5 Ssw, Sd | 3 in | → |
| Nohrsc Blind Park (Snotel) | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Rushmore
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Fall R At Hot Springs Sd | 37 cfs | → |
| Beaver Cr Near Buffalo Gap Sd | 9 cfs | → |
| Battle Cr Below Hermosa Sd | 3 cfs | → |
| Rapid Cr Below Pactola Dam Sd | 66 cfs | → |
| French Cr Above Fairburn Sd | 2 cfs | → |
| Cheyenne River Near Spencer | 2 cfs | → |
| Cheyenne River At Redshirt | 77 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 Rushmore
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Rushmore.
Ski areas
- Terry Peak Ski Area
- Moose Mountain Provincial Park Cross Country Ski Trails
- Ski Broadmoor
- Mystic Miner Ski Resort At Deer Mountain
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