[at-l] Whitetop elevation

[dhughes@cas.org (Dave Hughes 3019B x2640)]

Robert,
On the USDA Forest Service map of "Mount Rogers High Country and Wilderness"
Pine Mountain and Balsam Mountain are shown in large letters encompassing wide
areas. Pine Mountain goes from the Mt. Rogers area over to the Little Wilson
Creek Wilderness area on the east. Balsam Mountain goes from Whitetop Mtn.
to the Deep Gap area near Mt. Rogers. In smaller letters are features
with elevation markers such as Whitetop Mtn, Mt Rogers, Wilburn Ridge,
Second Peak (on Pine Mountain). On this map the 5526 elevation is
for Wilburn Ridge which looks like it is part of Mt Rogers.
Dave Hughes
Worthington, OH

> Does anyone have an official source that lists the elevation of Whitetop
> Mountain in Virginia? As you probably know, Whitetop is the second-highest
> mountain in Virginia. I've seen both 5,520 and 5,540 feet listed. The USGS
> web site lists it at 5,520, which would seem official, but Pine Mountain,
> which the AT crosses it on Wilburn Ridge near Rhododendron Gap, is on the
> USGS topo map at 5,526 ft. That would make Pine Mountain the second
> highest. The America's Roof website puts the height at 5,540. So, it seems
> to me that either . . .
>
> A    The 5,520 figure is wrong for Whitetop
> B    Pine Mountain isn't considered a true mountain because it's not
> separated enough from Mount Rogers.
>
> Any authoritative info out there?