Mount Sanford is a shield volcano in the Wrangell Mountains of eastern Alaska near the Copper River. At 16,237 feet high, it is the third highest peak in Alaska. Mount Sanford presents a challenge for climbers with its remoteness, extreme weather, and glacier-covered slopes. Let’s explore this magnificent mountain through 49 riddles!
Riddles about the location and geography of Mount Sanford
Where is Mount Sanford located?
In which Alaskan mountain range is Mount Sanford located? The Wrangell Mountains
What glacier covers part of Mount Sanford?
Flowing from the eastern side of Mount Sanford is which large glacier? Sanford Glacier
What river is near Mount Sanford?
TheCopper River flows near which towering Alaskan peak? Mount Sanford
What is the elevation of Mount Sanford?
At 16,237 feet, Mount Sanford is the _ highest peak in Alaska. third
Riddles about the geology and climate of Mount Sanford
What type of volcano is Mount Sanford?
With gently sloping sides and a broad top, Mount Sanford is a _ volcano. shield
What plates formed Mount Sanford?
The subduction of the Pacific plate under the North American plate led to Mount Sanford’s formation on the ___. Alaska Range
How was Mount Sanford created?
Mount Sanford first erupted as a ___, building up over thousands of years. subglacial volcano
What causes avalanches on Mount Sanford?
Deep snow and _ contribute to regular avalanches on the upper slopes of Mount Sanford. high winds
Riddles about climbing Mount Sanford
When was Mount Sanford first summited?
It took over 10 failed attempts before the first team successfully climbed to Mount Sanford’s summit in ___. 1968
Why is climbing Mount Sanford risky?
With ___, loose rock, and hidden crevasses, Mount Sanford presents extreme hazards for climbers. extreme weather
What is significant about the west face route?
The _ on Mount Sanford’s daunting west face was not climbed until 2013. direct route
What causes accidents on Sanford Glacier?
Climbers must watch for __ when traversing the Sanford Glacier to access Mount Sanford’s slopes. concealed crevasses
Riddles about the wildlife and vegetation of Mount Sanford
What lives on the lower slopes of Mount Sanford?
Below 3,000 feet, the lower slopes of Mount Sanford host __, including bears and moose. diverse wildlife
What is notable about the lichen on Mount Sanford?
Studies have shown lichen growing all the way up to Mount Sanford’s ___, a rare feat. 16,000-foot level
What birds nest on Mount Sanford?
Species like the __ make their summer nests on the cliffs and rock faces of Mount Sanford. golden eagle
Why doesn’t vegetation grow above 11,000 feet on Mount Sanford?
The elevation, cold, and ___ prevent plants from growing on Mount Sanford’s upper slopes. wind
Riddles about Mount Sanford’s impact and namesakes
What was Mount Sanford’s original name?
Local Ahtna people knew Mount Sanford by the native name __ before westerners climbed it. Dghelishla
Who first surveyed Mount Sanford?
In 1885, Lt. Henry T. Allen of the U.S. Army was the first non-native to discover and __ Mount Sanford. survey
Who is the peak named after?
Mount Sanford is named after the governor of __ when the mountain was surveyed in 1885. California
How did Mount Sanford impact a famous glacier study?
Data from Sanford Glacier contributed to the first confirmation of __ theory in North America. Muir’s outflow glacier
Riddles about Mount Sanford’s unique features and facts
How much higher is Mount Sanford than Denali?
While massive, Mount Sanford stands only __ feet higher than Denali, North America’s tallest peak. 2,907
What is unusual about Mount Sanford’s rock composition?
Despite volcanoes often having basalt rock, Mount Sanford has abundant __, more typical of plutons. granodiorite
What causes the dark bands on Sanford Glacier?
Layers of volcanic __ and debris stripe Sanford Glacier’s lower half in dark bands. ash
What unique weather phenomenon occurs on Mount Sanford?
Blizzards can blow over 100 mph at the summit, once forcing climbers to __ to avoid being blown off the peak! lie on the ground
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these 49 riddles about Alaska’s remote yet magnificent Mount Sanford! Exploring this icy giant through puzzles reveals fascinating facts about its landscapes, storms, climbs, namesakes, wildlife and more. Let me know if you have any other questions about this exceptional mountain.
