Mount Despair peak
Mount Despair rises to 7,292 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Cascade Range range.
Rising to an impressive elevation of approximately 2,392 meters (7,848 feet), it offers a challenging and rewarding experience for mountaineers. With its steep and rugged slopes, Mount Despair is known for its technical climbing routes, making it a popular destination for experienced climbers seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure.
During the winter season, Mount Despair receives significant snowfall, transforming it into a winter wonderland. The snowpack range varies each year depending on weather conditions, but it typically accumulates several meters deep, offering excellent opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The mountain's snowpack also plays a crucial role in contributing to the water supply of the surrounding area.
Numerous creeks and rivers benefit from Mount Despair's runoff, ensuring a steady flow of water throughout the year. Some notable waterways that receive runoff from the mountain include Despair Creek, Cascade River, and the Skagit River. These water sources not only provide sustenance to the diverse flora and fauna in the region but also offer picturesque scenery for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The name "Mount Despair" stems from the early explorers and surveyors who encountered the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions on this mountain. The name reflects the difficulty and ruggedness of the peak, adding to its allure and mystique. While no specific legends or lore are associated with Mount Despair, it continues to captivate climbers and adventurers with its awe-inspiring beauty and formidable nature.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Mount Despair
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lyman Lake | 54 in | → |
| Nohrsc Beaver Pass | 1 in | → |
| Decline Creek Snotel | 2 in | → |
| Alpine Meadows | 29 in | → |
| Mf Nooksack | 29 in | → |
| Nohrsc Brown Top | 65 in | → |
| Park Creek Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Easy Pass | 77 in | → |
| Nohrsc Alpine Meadows | 29 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mf Nooksack | 29 in | → |
| Nohrsc Marten Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Lyman Lake | 54 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Despair
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Stehekin River At Stehekin | 2,210 cfs | → |
| Salix Creek At S Cascade Gl Near Marblemount | 0 cfs | → |
| Sauk River Near Sauk | 4,070 cfs | → |
| Skagit River Near Concrete | 14,000 cfs | → |
| Cascade River At Marblemount | 1,120 cfs | → |
| Bacon Creek Below Oakes Creek Near Marblemount | 511 cfs | → |
| Skagit River At Marblemount | 4,130 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 Despair
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Despair.
Ski areas
- Whistler Blackcomb (Garibaldi Lift Co.)
- Manning Park Resort
- Mt. Baker Ski Area
- White Pass Ski Area
- Whistler Cross Country Connection
- Logan Lake Lodge Ski Trails
River runs
- Headwaters To Upper Goodell Campground (Rm 0.5)
- Upper Goodell Campground (Rm 0.5) To Confluence With Skagit River
- Begins Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1) To Confluence With Skagit River
- Begins Below Gorge Powerhouse To Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary
- Headwaters To North Cascades National Park Boundary
- Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nf/North Cascades Np Boundary To Confluence With Blum Creek
Get Mount Despair 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.