Mount Formidable Peak
Mount Formidable rises to 8,325 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Cascade Range range.
It stands tall at an elevation of 2,617 meters (8,586 feet), making it a challenging and sought-after destination for mountaineers. The mountain's size is notable, with a prominence of 1,272 meters (4,173 feet) and a topographic isolation of 16.2 kilometers (10.1 miles).
During the winter seasons, Mount Formidable experiences a significant snowpack range due to its high elevation and location in a region known for heavy snowfall. The snowpack can vary depending on weather patterns, but it typically accumulates from late fall through early spring, providing excellent opportunities for winter mountaineering and skiing.
Mount Formidable is surrounded by several creeks and rivers that benefit from its runoff. The most notable watercourses include the Spidery Creek, Middle Fork Cascade River, and North Fork Cascade River. These rivers flow through breathtaking valleys, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and providing habitats for various flora and fauna.
Regarding its name, Mount Formidable is believed to have been named by Albert H. Sylvester, an early explorer of the Cascade Range. The name reflects the mountain's imposing and rugged appearance, as it is characterized by steep and jagged cliffs. Although no specific legends or lore are widely known about this mountain, its name alone evokes a sense of awe and respect among mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Sources:
1. "Mount Formidable" - SummitPost: https://www.summitpost.org/mount-formidable/150217
2. "Mount Formidable, Washington" - Peakbagger: https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1532
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 Formidable
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rainy Pass | 1 in | → |
| Mt. Baker - Heather Meadows | 7 in | → |
| Rainy Pass | 1 in | → |
| Newhalem | 212 in | → |
| Cougar Mountain | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Park Creek Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Meadows Pass | 1 in | → |
| Park Creek Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Alpine Meadows | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mount Gardner | 169 in | → |
| Stevens Pass - Grace Lakes | 6 in | → |
| Berne | 2 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Formidable
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Creek Below Oakes Creek Near Marblemount | 163 cfs | → |
| Sauk River Near Sauk | 2,140 cfs | → |
| Thunder Creek Near Newhalem | 1,220 cfs | → |
| Skagit River At Newhalem | 3,170 cfs | → |
| Skagit River Near Concrete | 8,100 cfs | → |
| Methow River Above Goat Creek Near Mazama | 166 cfs | → |
| Newhalem Creek Near Newhalem | 32 cfs | → |
Weather Forecast
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 Formidable
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Formidable.
Ski areas
- Cayoosh Resort (Melvin Creek)
- Lac Le Jeune
- Kane Valley (Nicola Nordic Ski Club)
- Medallion Peak Resort
- Manning Park Resort
- The Summit At Snoqualmie
River runs
- Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence With Stehekin River
- Headwaters And Includes Tributaries To Confluence With Stehekin River
- Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries Including The West And South Fork Flat Creek To Confluence With Stehekin River
- Headwaters And Includes Four Remaining Unnamed Tributaries To Cottonwood Campground
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