Topographic relief is significant as the west aspect rises over 2,600 feet (790 meters) above Robinson Creek in one mile.

Kettle Peak is the toponym officially adopted by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for this 11,000-foot summit, which should not be confused with another Kettle Peak (10,000 ft) located in California's Sequoia National Park.

[7] The first ascent of the summit was made in August 1948 by William Dunmire and Robert L.

[9] 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 moisture in the form of rain or snowfall to drop onto the range (orographic lift).