Hogback Ridge

Hogback Ridge
Hogback Ridge
	Hogback's east aspect, from Thompson Pass
Highest point
Elevation	6,135 ft (1,870 m)
Prominence	2,198 ft (670 m)
Parent peak	East Peak
Isolation	4.35 mi (7.00 km)
Coordinates	61°05′24″N 145°59′00″W / 61.09000°N 145.98333°W
Geography
	Hogback Ridge Location of Hogback Ridge in Alaska
Location	Valdez-Cordova Borough; Alaska, United States
Parent range	Chugach Mountains
Topo map	USGS Valdez A-6

Hogback Ridge is a 6,135-foot (1,870 m) glaciated mountain ridge located in the Chugach Mountains, in the U.S. state of Alaska. This landform is situated 9 mi (14 km) east of Valdez, 9 mi (14 km) west of Thompson Pass, and the Richardson Highway traverses the southern base of the mountain. This feature takes its name from the Hogback Glacier on its northern slopes, and in turn the glacier was named in 1898 by Captain William R. Abercrombie.^[3] Abercrombie led an 1898 expedition seeking a route from coastal Alaska to the Klondike. Precipitation runoff and meltwater from the mountain's glaciers drains into tributaries of the Lowe River, which in turn empties to Prince William Sound. The famous Horsetail Falls, which is located in Keystone Canyon, receives its source from the south slope of the mountain.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Hogback Ridge is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.^[4] Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. This climate supports the Corbin, Keystone, and Hogback Glaciers on the mountain. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing and climbing.