Grand Sentinel

Grand Sentinel is located in California
Grand Sentinel
Grand Sentinel
Location in California
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Grand Sentinel is located in the United States
Grand Sentinel
Grand Sentinel
Grand Sentinel (the United States)
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CountryUnited StatesStateCaliforniaCountyFresnoProtected areaKings Canyon National ParkParent rangeSierra Nevada
Great Western Divide[1]Topo mapUSGS The SphinxGeologyType of rockgranitic

Grand Sentinel is an 8,518-foot-elevation (2,596-meter) pillar located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Kings Canyon National Park, in Fresno County of northern California.[3] This landmark is situated at the northern end of the Great Western Divide, two miles west-northwest of The Sphinx, and immediately south of Kanawyers and Zumwalt Meadow. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises nearly 3,500 feet (1,100 meters) above the canyon floor in one-half mile. This feature's name has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names.[3]

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Grand Sentinel is located in an alpine climate zone.[4] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range (orographic lift). Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into the South Fork Kings River.

See also

Grand Sentinel by Ansel Adams, circa 1936

References

  1. ^ a b c "Grand Sentinel, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
  2. ^ a b "Grand Sentinel - 8,519' CA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
  3. ^ a b c "Grand Sentinel". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
  4. ^ Climate of the Sierra Nevada, Britannica.com

External links

  • Weather forecast: National Weather Service