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Re: Where's the other half of Mount Elbert? :-)
Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:59 pm
by mgl45
LarryM wrote: ↑Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:09 pm
"Prominence is calculated as the difference in elevation between a summit and the highest saddle that connects that summit to any higher terrain. ... Put another way, prominence is the elevation difference between the summit and the lowest contour that encircles it and no higher summit."
I'm curious where the "saddle" is ... I'd guess somewhere in Wyoming maybe?
I now see the part of the definition you posted that didn't click in my head at first - "....encircles it and no HIGHER summit" which I think I missed because I fundamentally misunderstood what the objective was of the prominence measurement.
All makes sense now. Thanks again.
Re: Where's the other half of Mount Elbert? :-)
Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:01 am
by WVMountaineer
Closest place I think you'd be able to physically see 9000+ feet of prominence are the volcanoes in the PNW, Mexico, or Hawaii. Hiking Rainier via Emmons-Winthrop, you start hiking around 4,300 feet and peak out at 14,410 ft. Viewing Rainier from Seattle or would give you the full 14k visible. If you haven't seen Mt. Rainier, it's pretty breathtaking to see for a first time. Even more so when you show up in the parking lot to go hike it.
Re: Where's the other half of Mount Elbert? :-)
Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:59 am
by mgl45
WVMountaineer wrote: ↑Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:01 am
Closest place I think you'd be able to physically see 9000+ feet of prominence are the volcanoes in the PNW, Mexico, or Hawaii. Hiking Rainier via Emmons-Winthrop, you start hiking around 4,300 feet and peak out at 14,410 ft. Viewing Rainier from Seattle or would give you the full 14k visible. If you haven't seen Mt. Rainier, it's pretty breathtaking to see for a first time. Even more so when you show up in the parking lot to go hike it.
Thanks!
I have seen Mount Rainer, though that was 30ish years ago. I recall it being spectacular. I hope to make it back at some point.