Alpha Mountain is a 2,302-metre (7,552-foot) summit located in the Tantalus Range, in Tantalus Provincial Park, in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is situated 14 km (9 mi) northwest of Squamish, and 4.6 km (3 mi) southeast of Mount Tantalus, which is the highest peak in the Tantalus Range. Its nearest higher peak is Serratus Mountain, 1.9 km (1 mi) to the west.[2] The Serratus Glacier lies to the west of Alpha, unnamed glaciers lie on the northern and eastern slopes, and Lake Lovely Water lies below the south slope. Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into tributaries of the Squamish River.

Alpha Mountain
Alpha Mountain above Lake Lovely Water (as seen from Mount Niobe)
Highest point
Elevation	2,302 m (7,552 ft)[1]
Prominence	372 m (1,220 ft)[1]
Parent peak	Serratus Mountain (2321 m)[1]
Listing	Mountains of British Columbia
Coordinates	49°47′44″N 123°16′33″W[1]
Geography
Alpha Mountain Location in British Columbia Show map of British Columbia Alpha Mountain Alpha Mountain (Canada) Show map of Canada
Location	Tantalus Provincial Park British Columbia, Canada
District	New Westminster Land District
Parent range	Tantalus Range Coast Ranges
Topo map	NTS 92G14 Cheakamus River
Climbing
First ascent	1914 by Basil Darling and A. Morkill[1]
Easiest route	Scrambling via SW Ridge

History

The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1914 by Basil Darling and Alan Morkill via the southwest ridge. These two named the peak shortly after they made the ascent, alluding to Alpha, which is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, because the peak is the first (southeast) summit of the Alpha-Serratus-Tantalus-Zenith Ridge, and also because of its form.[3] The mountain's name was officially adopted on June 6, 1957, by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.[4]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Alpha Mountain is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[5] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Coast Mountains where they are forced upward by the range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall. As a result, the Coast Mountains experience high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for climbing Alpha.

Climbing Routes

Established rock climbing routes on Alpha Mountain:[1]

• Southwest Ridge - class 3 First Ascent 1914
• East Ridge - class 5.8 FA 1916
• Northeast Ridge - class 4-5 FA 1968
• Northwest Ridge - class 4-5 FA 1969
• North Buttress - class mid-5 FA 1981
• South Face - class 4-5

See also

• Geography of British Columbia
• Geology of British Columbia

References

External links

• Weather: Alpha Mountain
• YouTube: Climbing Alpha Mountain
• Vimeo: Climbing Alpha East Ridge