Matterhorn Peak peak
Matterhorn Peak rises to 12,264 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sierra Nevada range.
With an elevation of 12,285 feet (3,744 meters), it stands tall among the surrounding peaks. The mountain's name was inspired by the famous Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps due to its similar steep and jagged appearance.
During the winter season, Matterhorn Peak experiences significant snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing. The snowpack range varies depending on the year, but typically accumulates several feet deep, creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The mountain's location and elevation contribute to its ability to retain snow well into the spring months, providing a longer season for outdoor activities.
Matterhorn Peak is known for its glacially-carved cirques and rugged terrain. It is adjacent to the East Fork of the Carson River, which receives runoff from the mountain's snowmelt during the warmer months. This river is a popular destination for fishing and offers a scenic backdrop for hikers exploring the area. The mountain's beauty and challenging nature have made it a favorite among outdoor adventurers, attracting climbers from around the world.
As for legends and lore surrounding Matterhorn Peak, there are no specific historical accounts or mythical stories associated with this particular mountain. However, the area is rich in Native American history, with tribes such as the Washoe and Miwok having inhabited the region for centuries. These tribes likely held their own cultural beliefs and stories about the mountains, but specific legends related to Matterhorn Peak are not well-documented.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Matterhorn 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 Poison Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Deadman Ck Near Kennedy Meadows - Sonora Pass | 8 in | → |
| Nohrsc Poison Flat | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Kaiser Point | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Lower Kibbie | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc White Wolf Raws | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Tuolumne Meadows | 125 in | → |
| Nohrsc Green Mtn | 6 in | → |
| Nohrsc Forestdale Creek | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Graveyard Meadow | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Chilkoot Meadow | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Burnside Lake | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Matterhorn Peak
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| E Walker R Blw Sweetwater C Nr Bridgeport | 22 cfs | → |
| Aspen C Overburden Seep Nr Markleeville Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Tuolumne R Ab Early Intake Nr Mather Ca | 1,370 cfs | → |
| Bryant C Nr Gardnerville | 7 cfs | → |
| Desert C Nr Wellington | 3 cfs | → |
| Upper Truckee R At S Upper Truckee Rd Nr Meyers Ca | 4 cfs | → |
| Leviathan C Channel Underdrain Nr Markleeville Ca | 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 Matterhorn Peak
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Matterhorn Peak .
Ski areas
- Tahoe Donner
- Badger Pass Ski Area
- Homewood Mountain Resort
- Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows
- Bear Valley Mountain Resort
- Squaw Valley
River runs
- Snow Lake To Hoover Wilderness Boundary
- Headwaters, Includes East Fork And West Fork To Hoover Wilderness Boundary
- Hoover Wilderness Boundary To Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Boundary
- Headwaters To Hoover Wilderness Boundary
- Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary
- Source (Tower Lake) Includes Kirkwood Creek, Cascade Creek And Tower Creek To Hoover Wilderness Boundary
Fishing
Get Matterhorn 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.
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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.