- Mount Deborah
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Mount Deborah Elevation 12,339 ft (3,761 m) Prominence 5,200 ft (1,585 m) Location Location Denali Borough, Alaska, USA Range Eastern Alaska Range Coordinates 63°38′16″N 147°14′20″W / 63.63778°N 147.23889°WCoordinates: 63°38′16″N 147°14′20″W / 63.63778°N 147.23889°W Topo map USGS Healy C-1 Climbing First ascent 1954 by Fred Beckey, Henry Meybohm, Heinrich Harrer Easiest route snow/ice climb Mount Deborah is a mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is one of the major peaks of the eastern Alaska Range. Despite its low absolute elevation (compared to other major peaks in North America), it is a particularly large and steep peak in terms of its quick rise over local terrain. For example, the Northeast Face rises 7000 feet (2135m) in approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km). This steepness, combined with difficult access, harsh weather, and classic Alaskan ice and snow features, make this a challenging peak to climb.[1]
Mount Deborah was named in 1907 by James Wickersham for his first wife, Deborah Susan (Bell) Wickersham.[1][2]
Contents
First ascent
Mount Deborah was first climbed in 1954 by Fred Beckey, Henry Meybohm, Heinrich Harrer, via the South Ridge.
Notable subsequent attempts and ascents
- 1964 East Ridge (attempt) by David Roberts and Don Jensen.[3]
- 1975 West Buttress and South Ridge FA of route, 2nd of summit by Pat Condran, Mark Hottman, Brian Okonek, Dave Pettigrew, Pat Stuart and Toby Wheeler. Summit reached May 8 after 36 days of effort.[4]
- 1977 North Face FA of route by Dakers Gowans and Charles Macquarrie, summit reached May 8.[5]
Today's standard route is the West Face; the Northwest Ridge is also a recommended route.
Mount Deborah is the subject of one of the classics of mountaineering literature, Deborah: A Wilderness Narrative, by David Roberts, which describes a failed attempt on the peak in 1964.
Deborah Avenue in College, Alaska is named for the mountain. Parallel to the street in the same subdivision is Hayes Avenue.
References
- Michael Wood and Colby Coombs, Alaska: A Climbing Guide, The Mountaineers, 2001.
- ^ a b Orth, Donald J. (1967). Dictionary of Alaska Place Names. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 262.
- ^ Atwood, Evangeline; DeArmond, Robert N. (1977). Who's Who in Alaskan Politics. Portland: Binford & Mort for the Alaska Historical Commission. p. 106.
- ^ Roberts, David (1991). Deborah; and, The Mountain of my fear: the early climbs. Seattle, WA, USA: The Mountaineers. ISBN 9780898862706.
- ^ Okonek, Brian (1976). "Deborah". American Alpine Journal 1976 (New York, NY, USA: American Alpine Club) 20 (50): 294–301.
- ^ Gowans, Dakers (1978). "Deborah's North Face". American Alpine Journal 1978 (New York, NY, USA: American Alpine Club) 21 (52): 337–343.
Further reading
Roberts, David (1991). Deborah; and, The Mountain of my fear: the early climbs. Seattle, WA, USA: The Mountaineers. ISBN 9780898862706.
External links
Categories:- Alaska Range
- Landforms of Denali Borough, Alaska
- Mountains of Alaska
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