Observation Peak (Alaska)

Observation Peak is a 4931 ft mountain summit located in the Boundary Ranges of the Coast Mountains, in the U.S. state of Alaska. The peak is situated 4.5 mi northeast of Juneau along the southern periphery of the Juneau Icefield, on land managed by Tongass National Forest. Precipitation runoff and glacial meltwater from the mountain drains to Gastineau Channel via Lemon and Salmon creeks, whereas the southeast slope drains to Taku Inlet via Carlson Creek. Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the summit rises over 3,700 feet (1,128 m) above Salmon Creek Reservoir in 1.6 mi. This peak's local name was published in 1962 by the U.S. Geological Survey and the toponym has been officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Observation Peak is located in a subpolar oceanic climate zone, with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers. Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Coast Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop below 0 °F with wind chill factors below −10 °F. This climate supports the Lemon Creek Glacier on the north slope of the peak.