The Anaconda Range, informally known as the "Pintlers", is a group of high mountains located in southwestern Montana, in the northwestern United States. The mountain range takes its name from the nearby town of Anaconda, founded by Marcus Daly in 1883.[1] It runs northeast approximately 50 miles (80 km) from Lost Trail Pass to a point near the community of Anaconda, covering parts of Ravalli, Deer Lodge, Granite and Beaverhead Counties. To the northwest are the Sapphire Mountains, to the south is the Big Hole Valley. Due north, the range blends into the Flint Creek Range, and to the southeast lies the Big Hole River and Pioneer Mountains. The crest of the range is part of the Continental Divide, rising to 10,793 feet (3,290 m) at West Goat Peak. Other major summits include Mt. Evans (10,641 ft, 3,243 m), Mt. Haggin (10,607 ft, 3,233 m), Warren Peak (10,463 ft, 3,189 m), and East Goat Peak (10,399 ft, 3,170 m). West Pintler Peak, located in a more commonly visited area, rises to 9,894 feet (3,016 m). Much of the range is protected in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area.

Anaconda Range
View of the Anaconda or "Pintler" Range near Anaconda, Montana
Highest point
PeakWest Goat Peak
Elevation10,793 ft (3,290 m)
Coordinates45°57′N 113°28′W / 45.950°N 113.467°W / 45.950; -113.467
Geography
Anaconda Range is located in Montana
Anaconda Range
Anaconda Range
Location within the state of Montana
CountryUnited States
StateMontana
Parent rangeRocky Mountains

Climate

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Climate data for West Goat Peak 45.9602 N, 113.3933 W, Elevation: 10,036 ft (3,059 m) (1991–2020 normals)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 21.8
(−5.7)
21.5
(−5.8)
26.2
(−3.2)
31.2
(−0.4)
40.6
(4.8)
49.4
(9.7)
60.7
(15.9)
60.7
(15.9)
51.6
(10.9)
37.8
(3.2)
26.2
(−3.2)
20.6
(−6.3)
37.4
(3.0)
Daily mean °F (°C) 14.3
(−9.8)
12.8
(−10.7)
16.5
(−8.6)
21.0
(−6.1)
29.7
(−1.3)
37.9
(3.3)
47.6
(8.7)
47.5
(8.6)
39.2
(4.0)
28.0
(−2.2)
18.8
(−7.3)
13.4
(−10.3)
27.2
(−2.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 6.8
(−14.0)
4.1
(−15.5)
6.7
(−14.1)
10.8
(−11.8)
18.8
(−7.3)
26.3
(−3.2)
34.4
(1.3)
34.2
(1.2)
26.9
(−2.8)
18.2
(−7.7)
11.5
(−11.4)
6.2
(−14.3)
17.1
(−8.3)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.50
(89)
4.00
(102)
5.34
(136)
6.87
(174)
6.87
(174)
7.71
(196)
2.75
(70)
2.83
(72)
3.30
(84)
3.95
(100)
4.40
(112)
4.09
(104)
55.61
(1,413)
Source: PRISM Climate Group[2]
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Oreamnos Lake and West Pintler Peak, looking west from the ridge near East Pintler Peak
West face of Anaconda Range from Georgetown Lake

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Aarstad, Rich, Ellie Arguimbau, Ellen Baumler, Charlene Porsild, and Brian Shovers. Montana Place Names from Alzada to Zortman Archived October 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Montana Historical Society Press.
  2. ^ "PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University". PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University. Retrieved October 4, 2023. To find the table data on the PRISM website, start by clicking Coordinates (under Location); copy Latitude and Longitude figures from top of table; click Zoom to location; click Precipitation, Minimum temp, Mean temp, Maximum temp; click 30-year normals, 1991-2020; click 800m; click Retrieve Time Series button.
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