Mount Ritter peak
Mount Ritter rises to 13,143 ft in Sierra-Nevada 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 Sierra-Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Leavitt Lake | 61 in | → |
| Nohrsc Leavitt Lake | 61 in | → |
| Blackcap Basin Goes | 12 in | → |
| Nohrsc Rock Creek | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Tioga Pass-Dana Meadows | 31 in | → |
| Nohrsc Chilkoot Meadow | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Green Mtn | 5 in | → |
| Nohrsc Tamarack Summit | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mammoth Pass | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Kaiser Point | 1 in | → |
| Huntington Lake | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Poison Ridge | 1 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 |
|---|---|---|
| E Walker R Nr Bridgeport | 167 cfs | → |
| W Walker R Nr Coleville | 490 cfs | → |
| Robinson C At Twin Lks Outlet Nr Bridgeport | 123 cfs | → |
| Tuolumne R A Grand Cyn Of Tuolumne Ab Hetch Hetchy | 1,040 cfs | → |
| Green Creek Near Bridgeport | 36 cfs | → |
| Big C Div Nr Fish Camp Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Buckeye C Nr Bridgeport | 86 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
- June Mountain
- Mammoth Mountain
- Granlibakken Ski Resort
- Homewood Mountain Resort
- Kirkwood
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
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
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