Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises nearly 2,800 feet (850 meters) above Vidette Meadow in less than one mile.

[4] Vidette is an alternative spelling of vedette, which is a mounted sentry for bringing information, giving signals, or warnings of danger, to a main body of troops.

[6] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains.

As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks, causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range (orographic lift).

Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Bubbs Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Kings River.