Colorado’s famous 14ers withstand altitude test

Colorado’s summiteers must have held their collective breath when the elevations of all 58 of the state’s prestigious “14ers” were recently scrutinized. Climbing one of Colorado’s many 14,000-foot-plus peaks is a popular outdoor activity, and many climbers would be disappointed if one of them failed the reassessment.

The survey was the culmination of a 15-year project to improve the accuracy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) terrain mapping. The agency used sophisticated technologies such as airborne laser imaging detection and ranging (LiDAR) and more modern GPS techniques that allow for more precise measurements. The survey actually used data from a project called Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum (GRAV-D), which allowed for more precise estimation of sea level, even beneath continents. Mountain heights that could previously only be measured to within a few feet are now accurate to within a few centimeters.

Colorado’s rugged orthographic terrain proved to be a perfect test for the new skills. On average, the corrected elevations are 5.2 feet lower than their previous measurements. To the relief of many climbers, none of the peaks had to be reclassified as lower than 14,000 feet. However, the rankings have been reshuffled. Notably, Sunshine Peak, previously the lowest of all, gains a spot, making Huron Peak the lowest 14er at 14,004.1 feet. Pikes Peak, while two feet lower according to this latest estimate, remains the highest in the state.

It will be interesting to see what further research in other areas reveals. For example, California has 15 famous 14ers, one of which is Thunderbolt Peak, which is estimated to be less than a meter above 14,000 feet. What happens if more accurate technology downgrades it in a future survey? What else will the new calculations reveal about our mountains? Whatever happens, we know that many guidebooks will need updating!

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