Monkhead is a 3,250-metre (10,660-foot) mountain summit located at the south end of Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. Monkhead was named by the Alpine Club of Canada for its hood-like appearance similar to a monk.[3] Its nearest higher peak is Mount Warren, 2.3 kilometres (1.4 miles) to the south-southeast.[4]

Monkhead
Monkhead (left) reflected in Maligne Lake
Highest point
Elevation	3,250 m (10,660 ft)[1]
Prominence	60 m (200 ft)[1]
Parent peak	Mount Warren (3362 m)[1]
Listing	Mountains of Alberta
Coordinates	52°34′46″N 117°23′21″W[2]
Geography
Monkhead Location of Monkhead in Alberta Show map of Alberta Monkhead Monkhead (Canada) Show map of Canada
Location	Alberta, Canada
Parent range	Le Grand Brazeau Range Canadian Rockies
Topo map	NTS 83C11 Southesk Lake[2]
Geology
Age of rock	Cambrian / Ordovician
Type of rock	Limestone
Climbing
First ascent	1950 by Mr. and Mrs. Rex Gibson, D. LaChapelle, E. LaChapelle[1]

Monkhead is situated at the far northwest extreme of the Brazeau Icefield. Monkhead abruptly rises 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in less than 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the lake giving it dramatic local relief. Monkhead is often seen in the background of iconic calendar photos of Spirit Island with Maligne Lake.

History

The mountain's name was officially adopted in 1946 by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.[2] The first ascent of Monkhead was made in 1950 by Mr. and Mrs. Rex Gibson, D. LaChapelle, and E. LaChapelle.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Monkhead is located in a subarctic climate with cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.[5] Temperatures can drop below −20 degrees Celsius (−4 degrees Fahrenheit) with wind chill factors below −30 °C (−22 °F). Precipitation runoff from Monkhead drains into the Maligne River, which is a tributary of the Athabasca River.

See also

• Geography of the Rocky Mountains
• Geography of Alberta

References

External links

• Parks Canada web site: Jasper National Park