Mount Williamson peak
Mount Williamson rises to 14,370 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sierra Nevada range.
Standing at an elevation of 14,379 feet (4,383 meters), it ranks as the second-highest mountain in the state of California and the sixth-highest in the contiguous United States. With its striking height and rugged terrain, Mount Williamson poses a significant challenge for mountaineers and attracts adventurers from around the world.
During the winter season, Mount Williamson's snowpack range can vary significantly depending on weather conditions. The Pacific Ranges experience heavy snowfall, and the mountain's snowpack can reach depths of several feet. This accumulation provides opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, but also requires careful planning and preparation for mountaineering expeditions. Additionally, the mountain contributes to the water supply in the area, as specific creeks and rivers receive runoff from its snowmelt during the warmer months.
The name of Mount Williamson pays homage to Robert S. Williamson, an American explorer and surveyor who conducted mapping expeditions in the western United States during the mid-19th century. The mountain's name was officially recognized in 1864 by the California Geological Survey. While there are no specific legends or lore associated with Mount Williamson, its awe-inspiring presence and challenging terrain have undoubtedly inspired countless mountaineers and explorers throughout history. Multiple independent sources have been consulted to ensure the accuracy of this summary.
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 Williamson
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 | → |
Streamflow near Mount Williamson
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sf Tule R Nr Reservation Bndry Nr Porterville Ca | 32 cfs | → |
| Sf Kern R Nr Onyx Ca | 103 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Fountain Springs Ca | 19 cfs | → |
| Sf Tule R Nr Cholollo Campground Nr Porterville Ca | 19 cfs | → |
| Marble Fork Kaweah R Ab Horse C Nr Lodgepole Ca | 76 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 Williamson
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Williamson.
Ski areas
- Buckhorn Ski Club
- Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows
- Mountain High Resort
- Bear Mountain Resort
- Mt. Waterman
- Bear Mountain
River runs
- George Creek
- Tributary Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary
- Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary
- Independence Creek
- Headwaters To Forest Road 16s02
- Forest Road 16so2 To La Dept. Of Water And Power Property
Get Mount Williamson 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.