Description
Describes the geologic setting and mineral resource potential of this 7.5 minute quadrangle, the majority of which is in Summit County. Contains a description of map units, structural geology, correlation of map units, accompanying cross-sections, and an oblique view. (1:24,000). A 46-page booklet accompanies the map. Digital PDF download. OF-03-20D
From the Author’s Notes:
Geologic mapping of the Copper Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle was undertaken by the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) as part of the STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act, which is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey. Partial funding for this project came from Colorado Mineral Severance taxes, which are derived from the production of oil, gas, coal, and minerals. Geologic maps produced by the CGS through the STATEMAP program are intended as multi-purpose maps useful for land-use planning, geotechnical engineering, geologic-hazards assessment, mineral-resource development, and ground-water exploration.
Most of the quadrangle is located in Summit County. The southwestern edge of the quadrangle is in Eagle County, and only the southernmost part of the quadrangle is in Lake and Park Counties. U.S. Interstate 70 (I-70) makes a sharp turn from roughly north-south to east-west at Copper Junction, which is adjacent to the northeast corner of the quadrangle. State Highway 91 (CR-91) branches from I-70 at Copper Junction and extends 24 mi south to Leadville along the eastern half of the quadrangle. Frisco is about seven mi to the north-northeast, and Vail Pass and the town of Vail are about 6 and 25 mi, respectively, to the northwest.
The quadrangle is located on the western flank of the Tenmile Range and the southern end of the Gore Range. Copper Mountain ski area is situated in the northeastern corner of the quadrangle. The principal peaks of the ski area are Copper Mountain (12,444 ft) and Union Mountain (12,313 ft). Elk Ridge, a series of peaks over 12,000 ft high in the western half of the quadrangle, defines the Summit and Eagle County line. Jacque Peak, located in the north-central part of the quadrangle, has an elevation of 13,205 ft. Fletcher Mountain, Wheeler Mountain, and Bartlett Mountain, located in the southeastern corner of the quadrangle, are the only other peaks within the quadrangle over 13,000 ft. Fletcher Mountain is the highest point on the quadrangle at 13,951 ft. Tenmile Creek flows north-northeast through the central and eastern parts of the quadrangle, but is interrupted by the vast tailings ponds of the idle Climax Molybdenum mine, the workings of which extend onto the southern edge of the quadrangle.
