Decker Mountain


Decker Mountain is a flat-topped peak located in the Garibaldi Ranges of the Coast Mountains, in Garibaldi Provincial Park of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Spearhead Range, which is a subset of the Garibaldi Ranges. It is situated southeast of Whistler, and west-northwest of Tremor Mountain, which is the highest point in the Spearhead Range. Precipitation runoff from the south side of the peak drains into Fitzsimmons Creek which is a tributary of the Cheakamus River, and meltwater from the Decker Glacier on the northeastern slope drains to Wedge Creek. Decker Mountain is often climbed as part of the Spearhead Traverse. The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1954 by a party from the Varsity Outdoor Club of the University of British Columbia. The descriptive name for the mountain refers to its two-decked layer form and flat, deck-like top, while the suffix "er" was used for purposes of euphony. The mountain's name was officially adopted on August 27, 1965, by the Geographical Names Board of Canada as submitted by Dick Culbert, author of Climber's Guide to the Coastal Ranges of British Columbia.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Decker Mountain is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America. Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Coast Mountains where they are forced upward by the range, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall. As a result, the Coast Mountains experience high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for climbing Decker Mountain.

Climbing Routes

Established climbing routes on Decker Mountain: