Its summit is a small stratovolcano on top of a high platform of sedimentary rocks.

The mountain also contributes a large volume of ice to the north-flowing Russell Glacier system.

[2] The mountain was first climbed in 1930 by Allen Carpé, Terris Moore, and Andrew Taylor, from the Russell Glacier on the west of the peak.

USGS 1:250,000 topographical maps show an elevation of 16,421 feet (5,005 m),[5] which was determined in 1913 by International Boundary Commission surveyors.

[6] However, USGS 1:63,360 topographical maps do not show a spot height, and their contour lines indicate a summit elevation of 16,550±50 feet (5045±15 meters).