Great description and useful photos. The only point I might reword is the comment about Nopah Point being "unnamed on the map"--there's a benchmark "Nopah" on the 7.5'. I'm still not quite sure how these benchmarks tie in to place names, but they seem to pop up a lot in the desert. I can't remember ever seeing anything like this in the Sierra, though...
Hmm, I can't remember. I wish I knew more about how these benchmarks acquire a name, and why some of them (e.g. Towne Peak/Point) don't later become official USGS peak names.
The benchmark on the DPS highpoint (1949.9 m on the latest USGS map) has no name; I just checked my photos. I believe that benchmark just indicates a triangulation point. The PID for this benchmark seems to be FT1458, but that datasheet is not complete, which leads me to suspect that there was never a full elevation determination. The 1946T point to the north, labeled as "Nopah Peak" on the USGS map, has no benchmark*; the most recent map shows a spot check elevation, which may have been measured only by aerial photography, as this is a provisional map. An older DPS report suggests that "Nopah Peak" is lower, and the DPS register was moved to the present location some time ago.
Often names of PIDs are generated in a casual way, and may reflect just a range name, or even the area from which the survey began (e.g., Mummy Mt benchmark is labeled "deer"). The USGS database lists a "Nopah Peak" and gives coords.
I enjoyed this hike, though the SE route was long. The views of Charleston from the eastern ridge are impressive, as both peaks are so high above the intervening valley.
Matthew Holliman - Dec 20, 2005 2:49 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGreat description and useful photos. The only point I might reword is the comment about Nopah Point being "unnamed on the map"--there's a benchmark "Nopah" on the 7.5'. I'm still not quite sure how these benchmarks tie in to place names, but they seem to pop up a lot in the desert. I can't remember ever seeing anything like this in the Sierra, though...
Matthew Holliman - Dec 20, 2005 3:56 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentHmm, I can't remember. I wish I knew more about how these benchmarks acquire a name, and why some of them (e.g. Towne Peak/Point) don't later become official USGS peak names.
MoapaPk - Apr 3, 2006 10:07 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Untitled CommentThe benchmark on the DPS highpoint (1949.9 m on the latest USGS map) has no name; I just checked my photos. I believe that benchmark just indicates a triangulation point. The PID for this benchmark seems to be FT1458, but that datasheet is not complete, which leads me to suspect that there was never a full elevation determination. The 1946T point to the north, labeled as "Nopah Peak" on the USGS map, has no benchmark*; the most recent map shows a spot check elevation, which may have been measured only by aerial photography, as this is a provisional map. An older DPS report suggests that "Nopah Peak" is lower, and the DPS register was moved to the present location some time ago.
Often names of PIDs are generated in a casual way, and may reflect just a range name, or even the area from which the survey began (e.g., Mummy Mt benchmark is labeled "deer"). The USGS database lists a "Nopah Peak" and gives coords.
* http://www.cohp.org/personal/desert_prominence_peaks.html
Scott - Dec 20, 2005 5:40 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNice page.
Are you coming to freeze fest.
BobSmith - Dec 20, 2005 9:33 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGood post.
Johan Heersink - Dec 21, 2005 2:26 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNice page!
The Lower Marmot - Dec 21, 2005 10:31 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGreat page, interesting mountain.
MoapaPk - Apr 4, 2006 12:20 am - Voted 10/10
Pleasant placeI enjoyed this hike, though the SE route was long. The views of Charleston from the eastern ridge are impressive, as both peaks are so high above the intervening valley.