Winding Stair Mountain Profile: June 30, 1909

[Karl]

MP477-MP484

[Karl]

Winding Stair Mountain impeded the Frisco’s original line to Texas with a short but steep climb. In terms of absolute elevation , the Frisco crested the ridge at 944.8 feet above sea level, but the approaches on either side were short, which necessitated steep grades. For a very brief stretch around MP 477.5, the grade achieved a maximum of 3%. Otherwise the rate of climb bounced between 1.5% and 2.3%. Joe Collias devotes 3 pages of his book to this section of the Frisco with several outstanding shots taken by Preston George.
The profile serves as a sort of Rosetta Stone, and gives the relationship between mile post and survey station number. In several places, there are “Long Stations” that exceed the typical 100 feet.
Three flood events are noted on the profile. The high water level is shown around MP 484 that occurred 8/18/15. The area around MP 474 went underwater during December 1927, and again during May 1929.