Mount Ritter peak
Mount Ritter rises to 13,143 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sierra Nevada range.
Standing at an elevation of 13,143 feet, it is one of the highest mountains in the state. Its striking height and beauty make it a popular destination for mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.
During the winter season, Mount Ritter receives a substantial snowpack, with estimates ranging from 200 to 500 inches. This accumulation of snow creates ideal conditions for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing. The snowpack also feeds numerous creeks and rivers in the area, including the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, which originates from the Ritter Range. These rivers provide important water resources for downstream communities and wildlife habitats.
The name "Ritter" originates from the German word for "knight," paying homage to the medieval knights of Europe. The mountain was named in 1863 by the California Geological Survey, which was led by Josiah Dwight Whitney. Mount Ritter holds an intriguing place in Native American folklore as well. The Paiute people believe that it is the home of a powerful spirit that controls the weather. Legends like these add to the mystique and allure of this majestic mountain.
In conclusion, Mount Ritter in the Pacific Ranges mountain range is a prominent peak with an elevation of 13,143 feet. It receives a substantial snowpack during winter, contributing to the water resources of creeks and rivers in the area. The mountain's name is derived from the German word for "knight," and it holds interesting lore and legends in Native American folklore.
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 Ritter
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 Graveyard Meadow | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Green Mtn | 6 in | → |
| Blackcap Basin Goes | 14 in | → |
| Nohrsc Kaiser Point | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Poison Flat | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Chilkoot Meadow | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Tuolumne Meadows | 125 in | → |
| Nohrsc Poison Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Leavitt Lake | 64 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mammoth Pass | 1 in | → |
| Huntington Lake | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Rock Creek | 4 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Ritter
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mf San Joaquin R Nr Mammoth Lakes Ca | 328 cfs | → |
| Merced R A Pohono Bridge Nr Yosemite Ca | 1,300 cfs | → |
| E Walker R Blw Sweetwater C Nr Bridgeport | 22 cfs | → |
| Tuolumne R A Grand Cyn Of Tuolumne Ab Hetch Hetchy | 1,420 cfs | → |
| Merced R A Happy Isles Bridge Nr Yosemite Ca | 914 cfs | → |
| Nf Willow C Nr Sugar Pine Ca | 416 cfs | → |
| Hot C A Flume Nr Mammoth Lakes Ca | 65 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 Ritter
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Ritter.
Ski areas
- Soda Springs
- Squaw Valley
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
- Dodge Ridge Ski Area
- Alpine Meadows Ski Area
- Sugar Bowl Resort
River runs
- Confluence With Glass Creek To Big Springs
- Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows
- Agnew Meadows To Soda Springs Footbridge
- National Monument Boundary To Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument
- Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls
- Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary
Fishing
Get Mount Ritter 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.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen
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.