Black Kaweah peak
Black Kaweah rises to 13,675 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sierra Nevada range.
Standing tall at an elevation of 13,680 feet (4,170 meters), it is an impressive sight for mountaineers and adventurers. This granite mountain possesses a distinct pyramid-like shape, making it a popular destination for climbers seeking challenging ascents.
During the winter season, Black Kaweah receives a substantial amount of snowfall, creating an awe-inspiring snowpack. Snow depths can vary greatly depending on the severity of the winter, ranging from several feet to over ten feet in some years. This makes the mountain a favorite among backcountry skiers and snowboarders who seek thrilling descents in a picturesque setting.
Numerous creeks and rivers in the area benefit from the snowmelt runoff originating from Black Kaweah. One such notable watercourse is the Middle Fork Kaweah River, which traverses through the dense forests and rugged canyons surrounding the mountain. The river's flow is augmented by the melting snow, providing a lifeline to the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home.
The name "Kaweah" is derived from the Native American language, with various interpretations, including "raven cry" and "sleepy water." The lore surrounding Black Kaweah is rich, contributing to the mountain's mystique. It is said that ancient tribes considered the peak sacred and believed it to be a dwelling place of powerful spirits. Exploring the legends and history of Black Kaweah adds an intriguing element to any mountaineering experience in this breathtaking region of the Pacific Ranges.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Black Kaweah
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blackcap Basin Goes | 14 in | → |
| Nohrsc Rock Creek | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Kaiser Point | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mammoth Pass | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Black Kaweah
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Marble Fork Kaweah R Ab Horse C Nr Lodgepole Ca | 46 cfs | → |
| Sf Tule R Nr Cholollo Campground Nr Porterville Ca | 19 cfs | → |
| Sf Tule R Nr Reservation Bndry Nr Porterville Ca | 31 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Fountain Springs Ca | 18 cfs | → |
| Sf Kern R Nr Onyx Ca | 98 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 Black Kaweah
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Black Kaweah.
Ski areas
- Mammoth Mountain
- Diamond Peak
- Heavenly Ski Resort
- Snow Valley Ski Resort
- Badger Pass Ski Area
- Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows
River runs
- Confluence Of Lone Pine And Hamilton (Deer) Creeks (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Wildernes Boundary
- Lake 10,559 (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Wilderness Boundary Just Below Tokopah Falls
- 8,000 Ft Contour Line (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To The Atwell Mill Trail Bridge At ~ 5,800 Ft
- 9,000 Ft Contour Line (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To 8,000 Ft Contour Line
- Atwell Mill Trail Bridge At ~5,800 Ft (Boundary Extends 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of The River.) To Boundary Of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
- Wilderness Boundary Just Below Tokopah Falls (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Confluence With The Middle Fork Kaweah River
Fishing
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