Scientists hope to determine more precise height for Denali

Denali is the tallest mountain in North America. Officially, its height is listed at 20,320 feet. The survey establishing the mountain’s height was made in 1953. Two years ago, the U.S. Geological Survey used a method involving radar to map large portions of Alaska. The mapping resulted in an estimate for the height of Denali’s South Summit that is eighty-seven feet lower than the official survey at 20,237 feet. The USGS says that, while the radar method is useful for mapping areas that are difficult to reach, it lacks some precision with regard to elevations of specific points.   The best way to get accurate data to work from is still the old-fashioned way.

Recently, a team has traveled to the top of the continent’s highest mountain to gather that data. The team consisted of one UAF scientist and a team of three GPS experts. Scientists will now take that data and formulate a new estimate for Denali. In a press release issued on Thursday, the USGS announced that the new official height for Denali is anticipated late next month. The USGS will work with the North American Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Alaska Fairbanks to determine the mountain’s elevation.

The USGS says that the determination will likely be more accurate than the 1953 survey, owing to advances in surveying technology. No matter what the new elevation number is, it’s very unlikely that Denali will lose its position as North America’s highest mountain. It has the second highest, Mt. Logan, beat by more than 700 feet.