# Kitsu Plateau

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Plateau in British Columbia, Canada

Kitsu Plateau Volcanic plateau False colour image of air-fall tephra on the Kitsu Plateau from The Ash Pit which is the circular depression at bottom left centre Kitsu Plateau Location within British Columbia Location in Mount Edziza Provincial Park Coordinates: 57°27′59″N 130°45′06″W / 57.46639°N 130.75167°W / 57.46639; -130.75167[1] Location British Columbia, Canada[2] Range Tahltan Highland[2] Part of Mount Edziza complex[3] Age 7.4 Ma to less than 20 ka[4][5] Formed by Volcanism[6] Geology Comendite, trachyte, hawaiite, alkali basalt[5] Etymology 'Northern lights' in Tahltan[1] Dimensions • Length Approximately 10 km (6.2 mi)[2] • Width Approximately 6 km (3.7 mi)[2] Elevation Above 1,700 m (5,500 ft)[2] Last eruption Holocene age[7][8] Topo map NTS 104G10 Mount Edziza[1] NTS 104G7 Mess Lake[1] Designation Mount Edziza Provincial Park[2] Borders on Spectrum Range (southeast)[2] Nagha Creek valley (south)[2] Mess Creek valley (west)[2] Raspberry Pass (north)[2] Artifact Ridge (east)[2]

The **Kitsu Plateau** is a small [intermontane plateau](/source/Intermontane_plateau) in [Cassiar Land District](/source/Cassiar_Land_District) of northwestern [British Columbia](/source/British_Columbia), Canada. It lies on the [Tahltan Highland](/source/Tahltan_Highland) and is surrounded by several valleys, including those of [Mess Creek](/source/Mess_Creek), [Nagha Creek](/source/Nagha_Creek) and [Raspberry Creek](/source/Raspberry_Creek_(British_Columbia)). The plateau is drained by many small streams that flow into these neighbouring valleys and, unlike the valleys, it is relatively [barren of vegetation](/source/Barren_vegetation). Surrounding the Kitsu Plateau is [Mount Edziza Provincial Park](/source/Mount_Edziza_Provincial_Park) which is one of the largest [provincial parks in British Columbia](/source/Provincial_parks_in_British_Columbia). Access to this remote plateau is mainly by aircraft since motorized vehicles are prohibited from entering Mount Edziza Provincial Park.

The Kitsu Plateau is [volcanic in origin](/source/Volcanic_plateau), consisting of lava flows that are [interbedded](/source/Interbedded) with volcanic [ejecta](/source/Ejecta). These lava flows and the associated ejecta originated from several volcanoes of the [Mount Edziza volcanic complex](/source/Mount_Edziza_volcanic_complex) which has been the focus of volcanic activity over the last 7.5 million years. [Alkali basalt](/source/Alkali_basalt), [hawaiite](/source/Hawaiite) and [trachyte](/source/Trachyte) are among some of the [volcanic rocks](/source/Volcanic_rock) comprising the Kitsu Plateau which is subdivided into five [geological formations](/source/Geological_formation), each being the product of a distinct period of volcanic activity. [Volcanism](/source/Volcanism_of_the_Mount_Edziza_volcanic_complex) on the plateau continued into the current [Holocene](/source/Holocene) epoch and created the [Mess Lake Lava Field](/source/Mess_Lake_Lava_Field) which contains small [volcanic cones](/source/Volcanic_cone).

## Geography and geomorphology

### Location

The Kitsu Plateau is on the [Tahltan Highland](/source/Tahltan_Highland) east of the [Boundary Ranges](/source/Boundary_Ranges) of the [Coast Mountains](/source/Coast_Mountains) and west of the [Skeena Mountains](/source/Skeena_Mountains) in [Cassiar Land District](/source/Cassiar_Land_District). Between the Boundary Ranges and the Kitsu Plateau is [Mess Creek](/source/Mess_Creek) valley, which extends more than 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the north where it separates the Zagoddetchino [massif](/source/Massif) from the [Big Raven Plateau](/source/Big_Raven_Plateau) in the east. The northern end of the plateau is bounded by [Raspberry Pass](/source/Raspberry_Pass) which contains the east-flowing [Bourgeaux Creek](/source/Bourgeaux_Creek) in the east and the northwest-flowing [Raspberry Creek](/source/Raspberry_Creek_(British_Columbia)) in the west. Between the Kitsu Plateau and the Skeena Mountains is [Artifact Ridge](/source/Artifact_Ridge) and the [Little Iskut River](/source/Little_Iskut_River), the latter of which flows north in a north–south trending valley and then flows southeast towards the Skeena Mountains into the [Iskut River](/source/Iskut_River). In the southeast, the Kitsu Plateau is surrounded by the [Spectrum Range](/source/Spectrum_Range) whereas in the south the plateau is separated from [Yagi Ridge](/source/Yagi_Ridge) by [Nagha Creek](/source/Nagha_Creek) valley.[2]

Roughly 10 km (6.2 mi) long and 6 km (3.7 mi) wide, the plateau lies at the southern end of the [Mount Edziza volcanic complex](/source/Mount_Edziza_volcanic_complex), which also includes the Big Raven Plateau to the north as well as the Spectrum Range and the [Arctic Lake Plateau](/source/Arctic_Lake_Plateau) to the south.[2][3] The volcanic complex consists of a group of overlapping [shield volcanoes](/source/Shield_volcano), [stratovolcanoes](/source/Stratovolcano), [lava domes](/source/Lava_dome) and [cinder cones](/source/Cinder_cone) that have formed over the last 7.5 million years. It contains four [central volcanoes](/source/Central_volcano) along its north–south trending axis; from north to south they are [Mount Edziza](/source/Mount_Edziza), [Ice Peak](/source/Ice_Peak), [Armadillo Peak](/source/Armadillo_Peak) and the Spectrum Range.[6]

### Drainage

As a part of the Mount Edziza volcanic complex, the Kitsu Plateau is drained entirely by streams within the [Stikine River watershed](/source/Stikine_River_watershed).[2][9] The only named stream on the plateau is [Kitsu Creek](/source/Kitsu_Creek), which originates on the northern flank of [Kitsu Peak](/source/Kitsu_Peak) in the Spectrum Range and flows northwest then north into Mess Creek, a [tributary](/source/Tributary) of the Stikine River.[5][10][11] Several small unnamed streams flow into Kitsu Creek and the neighbouring valleys of Mess, Raspberry and Nagha creeks; Raspberry Creek drains into Mess Creek whereas Nagha Creek drains into Kitsu Creek just northeast of [Mess Lake](/source/Mess_Lake).[11][12][13]

### Structure

The western, northern and southern edges of the Kitsu Plateau are marked by steep cliffs forming the [Mess Creek Escarpment](/source/Mess_Creek_Escarpment), the southern side of Raspberry Creek valley and the northern side of Nagha Creek valley, respectively.[2][5] At the Mess Creek Escarpment, the Kitsu Plateau rises more than 910 metres (3,000 feet) above Mess Lake in Mess Creek valley; Mess Lake has an [elevation](/source/Elevation) below 760 m (2,500 ft) whereas the Mess Creek Escarpment reaches an elevation of more than 1,700 m (5,500 ft).[2] The plateau surface is [barren of vegetation](/source/Barren_vegetation), but at lower elevations the surrounding valleys contain [white spruce](/source/Picea_glauca), [lodgepole pine](/source/Lodgepole_pine) and [trembling aspen](/source/Populus_tremuloides) forests.[2][14]

### Landforms

The Kitsu Plateau is dominated by the Mess Lake Lava Field, which extends from Raspberry Creek in the north to Nagha Creek in the south.[2][15] It covers an area of around 18 square kilometres (6.9 square miles) and contains three [pyroclastic cones](/source/Pyroclastic_cone) which were the sources of lava flows that travelled westward towards the Mess Creek Escarpment.[15] The oldest cone, sometimes referred to by the [numeronym](/source/Numeronym) ML-1, is at the northern end of the lava field, whereas the second oldest cone, ML-2, is at the southern end of the lava field.[16] Both cones are covered by [tundra](/source/Tundra) vegetation and have been slightly rounded by erosion, although their [craters](/source/Volcanic_crater) are still recognizable. [The Ash Pit](/source/The_Ash_Pit), sometimes referred to by the numeronym ML-3, is the youngest and southernmost eruptive centre of the Mess Lake Lava Field.[16] It lies on the steep southern slope of the Kitsu Plateau inside Nagha Creek valley and has been described as a pyroclastic cone or a conical [explosion crater](/source/Explosion_crater).[5][17]

## Geology

### Stratigraphy

The Kitsu Plateau is subdivided into at least five [geological formations](/source/Geological_formation), each being the product of a distinct period of volcanic activity.[4][5] These periods of volcanic activity occurred during three magmatic cycles of the Mount Edziza volcanic complex; each cycle began with the effusion of [alkali basalt](/source/Alkali_basalt) and culminated with the eruption of lesser volumes of [felsic](/source/Felsic) magma.[18] The two oldest geological formations comprising the Kitsu Plateau are the [Raspberry](/source/Raspberry_Formation) and [Armadillo](/source/Armadillo_Formation) formations, which were deposited by volcanic eruptions during the [first magmatic cycle](/source/Volcanism_of_the_Mount_Edziza_volcanic_complex#First_magmatic_cycle) between 7.5 and 6 million years ago. Overlying these two geological formations are the [Nido](/source/Nido_Formation) and Spectrum formations, which were deposited between 6 and 3 million years ago during the [second magmatic cycle](/source/Volcanism_of_the_Mount_Edziza_volcanic_complex#Second_magmatic_cycle). The fifth oldest geological formation comprising the Kitsu Plateau is the [Big Raven Formation](/source/Big_Raven_Formation), which was deposited during the [fifth magmatic cycle](/source/Volcanism_of_the_Mount_Edziza_volcanic_complex#Fifth_magmatic_cycle) in the last 20,000 years.[4][5]

#### Raspberry Formation

Map of the [Mount Edziza volcanic complex](/source/Mount_Edziza_volcanic_complex) showing the location of the Kitsu Plateau

The Raspberry Formation is exposed on the lower northern, western and southwestern sides of the Kitsu Plateau.[5] It has an elevation of less than 1,310 m (4,300 ft) along the Mess Creek Escarpment and consists of flat-lying basaltic lava flows [interbedded](/source/Interbedded) with [scoria](/source/Scoria).[19] More than 180 m (590 ft) of Raspberry lava flows are exposed in the Mess Creek Escarpment, most of which were erupted from a shield volcano that formed on a [Late Miocene](/source/Late_Miocene) [erosion surface](/source/Erosion_surface).[20][21] These lava flows travelled westward into the ancestral valley of Mess Creek and originated from vents north of Raspberry Pass which were subsequently buried under younger volcanic deposits. A minimum age for the timing of Raspberry [volcanism](/source/Volcanism) is 7.4–6.2 million years.[21]

#### Armadillo Formation

Basaltic lava flows of the 6.3-million-year-old Armadillo Formation are exposed on the northern side of the plateau and along the Mess Creek Escarpment on the western side of the plateau where they overlie basaltic lava flows of the Raspberry Formation.[4][5] Armadillo basalt flows are interbedded with [air-fall](/source/Pyroclastic_fall) [pumice](/source/Pumice) and [ash flows](/source/Ash_flow) of [trachytic](/source/Trachytic) and [comenditic](/source/Comenditic) compositions.[21][22] They were highly fluid and mobile at the time of their eruption as evidenced by their extreme persistence and relatively narrow thicknesses; individual basalt flows of this geological formation are less than 3 m (9.8 ft) thick. The source of these flows was probably a cluster of vents further to the north called [Sezill Volcano](/source/Sezill_Volcano) which may have been active prior to the onset of Armadillo volcanism.[22] In contrast, the interbedded air-fall pumice and ash flows probably originated from the more than 4 km (2.5 mi) in diameter Armadillo Peak [caldera](/source/Caldera) northeast of the Kitsu Plateau.[6][21]

#### Nido Formation

Overlying the Armadillo Formation is the Kounugu Member, which is the only [stratigraphic unit](/source/Stratigraphic_unit) of the Nido Formation comprising the Kitsu Plateau.[5] It consists of basaltic lava flows, flow [breccia](/source/Breccia) and [agglutinate](/source/Agglutinate_(geology)) which were erupted 4.4 million years ago from at least four eruptive centres; these eruptive centres have since been deeply eroded and buried under younger volcanic deposits.[5][23] At least some of the Kounugu lava flows comprising the Kitsu Plateau may have originated from Swarm Peak further to the east, which issued lava that travelled westward; remains of the Swarm Peak eruptive centre are in the form of north-trending [fissure](/source/Fissure_vent) swarms.[24] Lava from the Swarm Peak eruptive centre is exposed along the Mess Creek Escarpment where it overlies [till](/source/Till) and glacial-[fluvial](/source/Fluvial) gravel derived from the Armadillo Formation.[25]

#### Spectrum Formation

The Kounugu Member is overlain by the 3.1-million-year-old Spectrum Formation, which is exposed along the Mess Creek Escarpment on the western side of the plateau and at the southern and eastern ends of the plateau.[4][5] This geological formation largely consists of comendite, [pantellerite](/source/Pantellerite) and pantelleritic trachyte; all three volcanic rocks comprise lava domes, lava flows and minor breccia and ash flow deposits.[5] Spectrum trachyte flows on the Kitsu Plateau are the most distal remnants of the main [Spectrum Dome](/source/Spectrum_Dome) and are relatively thin compared to those forming the adjacent Spectrum Range.[10] These trachyte flows are overlain by alkali basalt of the Kitsu Member, which is mainly exposed at the southern end of the Kitsu Plateau and along the western edge of the plateau.[5] This alkali basalt is in the form of lava flows and likely originated from vents of the Spectrum Dome which have since been destroyed by erosion.[26]

#### Big Raven Formation

The Big Raven Formation is the youngest and uppermost geological formation comprising the Kitsu Plateau, consisting of hawaiite and alkali basalt in the form of lava flows, [lava bombs](/source/Lava_bomb), agglutinate and air-fall [tephra](/source/Tephra).[5] These [volcanic rocks](/source/Volcanic_rock) were deposited by eruptions during the [Holocene](/source/Holocene) and mainly comprise the Mess Lake Lava Field, one of the three Big Raven lava fields of the Mount Edziza volcanic complex.[4][5][27] Alkali basalt flows from the two oldest pyroclastic cones in the Mess Lake Lava Field, ML-1 and ML-2, most likely cascaded over the Mess Creek Escarpment into Mess Creek valley, but no evidence of this phenomenon has been found on or below the escarpment.[15] The Ash Pit, which may be the youngest eruptive centre of the entire Mount Edziza volcanic complex, was the source of a 6.5 km (4.0 mi) long and 2.5 km (1.6 mi) wide hawaiitic air-fall tephra deposit that extends to the north-northeast on the Kitsu Plateau.[5][28] It was also the source of a hawaiitic lava flow that travelled 3.5 km (2.2 mi) to the northwest through Nagha Creek valley towards Mess Lake.[5] Residual heat from The Ash Pit eruption may have resulted in the formation of the [Mess Lake Hot Springs](/source/Mess_Lake_Hot_Springs) 2.5 km (1.6 mi) to the west in Mess Creek valley.[2][29]

### Basement

As a part of the Mount Edziza volcanic complex, the Kitsu Plateau is [underlain](/source/Basement_(geology)) by the [Stikinia terrane](/source/Stikinia_terrane).[3][30] This is a [suite](/source/Suite_(geology)) of [Paleozoic](/source/Paleozoic) and [Mesozoic](/source/Mesozoic) volcanic, [sedimentary](/source/Sedimentary_rock) and [metamorphic](/source/Metamorphic_rock) rocks that [accreted](/source/Accretion_(geology))[a] to the [continental margin](/source/Continental_margin) of North America during the [Jurassic](/source/Jurassic).[5][30][32] The rocks of this terrane are exposed to the south and southwest where they are largely buried under [landslide](/source/Landslide) and [colluvium](/source/Colluvium) deposits, as well as stream gravel, [outwash](/source/Outwash) and [braided channel](/source/Braided_channel) deposits. Minor exposures of [Cretaceous](/source/Cretaceous)–[Paleocene](/source/Paleocene) sedimentary rocks assigned to the [Sustut Group](/source/Sustut_Group) are present in the mouth of Nagha Creek valley at the southwestern end of the Kitsu Plateau and are in the form of [conglomerates](/source/Conglomerate_(geology)), [sandstones](/source/Sandstone), [arkoses](/source/Arkose), [siltstones](/source/Siltstone), [shales](/source/Shale) or minor [coal](/source/Coal).[5]

## Name and etymology

The name of the plateau became official on January 2, 1980, and was adopted on the [National Topographic System](/source/National_Topographic_System) map 104G/10 after being submitted to the [BC Geographical Names](/source/BC_Geographical_Names) office by the [Geological Survey of Canada](/source/Geological_Survey_of_Canada).[1][33] It means 'northern lights' in the [Tahltan language](/source/Tahltan_language) and was likely chosen due to the plateau's association with Kitsu Creek and Kitsu Peak, whose names were also adopted on January 2, 1980, on the National Topographic System maps 104G/10 and 104G/7, respectively.[1][34][35]

## Provincial park

The Kitsu Plateau lies at the southern end of [Mount Edziza Provincial Park](/source/Mount_Edziza_Provincial_Park), a [protected area](/source/Protected_area) founded in 1972 to preserve the volcanic landscape.[2][14] This remote wilderness area of northwestern British Columbia is not accessible by motorized vehicles to help protect the very sensitive environment. Instead, access is mainly via aircraft or unmaintained hiking trails that cross creeks.[14] Mount Edziza Provincial Park covers 266,180 hectares (657,700 acres), making it one of the largest [provincial parks in British Columbia](/source/Provincial_parks_in_British_Columbia).[14][36] Hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and nature studying are some of the activities available in Mount Edziza Provincial Park.[14]

Wildlife in the area includes [moose](/source/Moose), [caribou](/source/Caribou), [mountain goats](/source/Mountain_goat), [stone sheep](/source/Stone_sheep), [wolves](/source/Wolves), [bears](/source/Bear), [squirrels](/source/Squirrel), [owls](/source/Owl), [ptarmigans](/source/Ptarmigan), [ravens](/source/Raven), [gyrfalcons](/source/Gyrfalcon), [grouse](/source/Grouse) and migratory [songbirds](/source/Songbird). The climate is characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters; temperatures are warmest in mid-summer during the day when they may hit the 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) range. However, temperatures can drop below freezing during summer nights, making snow or freezing rain a possibility at any time of the year.[14]

## Accessibility

False colour image of the Kitsu Plateau with the [Mess Creek Escarpment](/source/Mess_Creek_Escarpment) in the foreground

From near the Eastman Creek Rest Area south of [Kinaskan Lake](/source/Kinaskan_Lake) on the [Stewart–Cassiar Highway](/source/Stewart%E2%80%93Cassiar_Highway), the historic [Yukon Telegraph Trail](/source/Yukon_Telegraph_Trail) extends about 15 km (9.3 mi) west to the Little Iskut River. From there, it enters Mount Edziza Provincial Park and continues another 15 km (9.3 mi) west along Bourgeaux Creek through Raspberry Pass.[37] The telegraph trail then continues to the northwest through Raspberry Creek valley along the northern edge of the Kitsu Plateau for about 15 km (9.3 mi) to Mess Creek valley.[2][37] Only short segments of the Yukon Telegraph Trail are still passable, having been mostly overgrown since maintenance of the trail ended in 1936.[38]

The Kitsu Plateau can be accessed via charter aircraft from [Dease Lake](/source/Dease_Lake) and Tatogga Lake, the latter of which is near the community of [Iskut](/source/Iskut).[14][38][39][40] Private aircraft are prohibited from landing on the Kitsu Plateau lava flows, but Mess Lake is large enough to be used by float-equipped aircraft. Landing on the lake with a private aircraft requires a letter of authorization from the [BC Parks](/source/BC_Parks) Stikine Senior Park Ranger.[14]

## See also

- [List of plateaus in British Columbia](/source/List_of_plateaus_in_British_Columbia)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** *Accretion* is the process by which [terranes](/source/Terrane) are added to a continent, resulting in continental growth.[31]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Kitsu_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Kitsu_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Kitsu_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Kitsu_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Kitsu_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Kitsu_1-5) ["Kitsu Plateau"](https://web.archive.org/web/20241217063550/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/4627.html). *[BC Geographical Names](/source/BC_Geographical_Names)*. Government of British Columbia – B.C. Geographical Names Office (BCGNO). Archived from [the original](https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/4627.html) on December 17, 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-HR_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-HR_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-HR_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-HR_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-HR_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-HR_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-HR_2-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-HR_2-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-HR_2-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-HR_2-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-HR_2-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-HR_2-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-HR_2-12) [***n***](#cite_ref-HR_2-13) [***o***](#cite_ref-HR_2-14) [***p***](#cite_ref-HR_2-15) [***q***](#cite_ref-HR_2-16) [***r***](#cite_ref-HR_2-17) [***s***](#cite_ref-HR_2-18) [***t***](#cite_ref-HR_2-19) [***u***](#cite_ref-HR_2-20) "A 502" (Topographic map). [*Telegraph Creek, Cassiar Land District, British Columbia*](https://web.archive.org/web/20210502071600/https://volcano.si.edu/maps/GVAlaskaCanada/G910509-006.jpg) (3 ed.). 1:250,000 (in English and French). [Department of Energy, Mines and Resources](/source/Department_of_Energy%2C_Mines_and_Resources). 1989. Archived from [the original](https://volcano.si.edu/maps/GVAlaskaCanada/G910509-006.jpg) on May 2, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199232_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199232_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199232_3-2) [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 32.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992267_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992267_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992267_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992267_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992267_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992267_4-5) [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 267.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-12) [***n***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-13) [***o***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-14) [***p***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-15) [***q***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-16) [***r***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-17) [***s***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-18) [***t***](#cite_ref-Souther_5-19) [Souther, J. G.](/source/Jack_Souther) (1988). "1623A" ([Geological map](/source/Geological_map)). *Geology, Mount Edziza Volcanic Complex, British Columbia*. 1:50,000. Cartography by M. Sigouin, [Geological Survey of Canada](/source/Geological_Survey_of_Canada). [Energy, Mines and Resources Canada](/source/Energy%2C_Mines_and_Resources_Canada). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.4095/133498](https://doi.org/10.4095%2F133498).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-LD_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-LD_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-LD_6-2) [Souther, Jack G.](/source/Jack_Souther) (1990). Wood, Charles A.; Kienle, Jürgen (eds.). [*Volcanoes of North America: United States and Canada*](https://books.google.com/books?id=eyDRib-FJh4C). [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). pp. 124, 125. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-521-43811-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-521-43811-X).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992234_7-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 234.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-LC_8-0)** ["The Ash Pit"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101211081936/http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/volcanoes/cat/volcano_e.php?id=svb_tap_096). *Catalogue of Canadian Volcanoes*. [Natural Resources Canada](/source/Natural_Resources_Canada). March 10, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/volcanoes/cat/volcano_e.php?id=svb_tap_096) on December 11, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199232,_33_9-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 32, 33.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992113_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992113_10-1) [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 113.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NV_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NV_11-1) ["Kitsu Creek"](https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=JAIJN). *[Geographical Names Data Base](/source/GeoBase_(geospatial_data)#Geographical_Names_Data_Base)*. [Natural Resources Canada](/source/Natural_Resources_Canada). Retrieved September 9, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Raspberry Creek"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210820154437/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/23314.html). *[BC Geographical Names](/source/BC_Geographical_Names)*. Government of British Columbia – B.C. Geographical Names Office (BCGNO). Archived from [the original](https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/23314.html) on August 20, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Nagha Creek"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211001004927/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/8993.html). *[BC Geographical Names](/source/BC_Geographical_Names)*. Government of British Columbia – B.C. Geographical Names Office (BCGNO). Archived from [the original](https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/8993.html) on October 1, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RG_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RG_14-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-RG_14-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-RG_14-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-RG_14-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-RG_14-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-RG_14-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-RG_14-7) ["Mount Edziza Provincial Park"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230123120553/https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/mt_edziza/). [BC Parks](/source/BC_Parks). Archived from [the original](https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/mt_edziza/) on January 23, 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992235_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992235_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992235_15-2) [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 235.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992214,_235_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992214,_235_16-1) [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 214, 235.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992234,_235,_320_17-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 234, 235, 320.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther19921,_267,_276_18-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 1, 267, 276.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199247_19-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 47.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther19926,_47_20-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 6, 47.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Souther2_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Souther2_21-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Souther2_21-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Souther2_21-3) [Souther, J. G.](/source/Jack_Souther); [Armstrong, R. L.](/source/Richard_Lee_Armstrong); Harakal, J. (1984). "Chronology of the Peralkaline, Late Cenozoic Mount Edziza Volcanic Complex, Northern British Columbia, Canada". *[Geological Society of America Bulletin](/source/Geological_Society_of_America_Bulletin)*. **95** (3). [Geological Society of America](/source/Geological_Society_of_America): 342–344. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[1984GSAB...95..337S](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1984GSAB...95..337S). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1130/0016-7606(1984)95<337:COTPLC>2.0.CO;2](https://doi.org/10.1130%2F0016-7606%281984%2995%3C337%3ACOTPLC%3E2.0.CO%3B2). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0016-7606](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0016-7606).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199283_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199283_22-1) [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 83.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992104,_267_23-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 104, 267.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199211,_105_24-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 11, 105.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992105_25-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 105.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992113,_122_26-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 113, 122.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Spectrum Range: General Information"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220922000000/https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=320070). *[Global Volcanism Program](/source/Global_Volcanism_Program)*. [Smithsonian Institution](/source/Smithsonian_Institution). Archived from [the original](https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=320070) on September 22, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992234,_235_28-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 234, 235.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther1992214,_241,_242_29-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), pp. 214, 241, 242.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Edwards_30-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Edwards_30-1) Edwards, Benjamin R.; Russell, James K. (2000). "Distribution, Nature, and Origin of Neogene–Quaternary Magmatism in the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province, Canada". *[Geological Society of America Bulletin](/source/Geological_Society_of_America_Bulletin)*. **112** (8). [Geological Society of America](/source/Geological_Society_of_America): 1281, 1287. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2000GSAB..112.1280E](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2000GSAB..112.1280E). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1130/0016-7606(2000)112<1280:dnaoon>2.0.co;2](https://doi.org/10.1130%2F0016-7606%282000%29112%3C1280%3Adnaoon%3E2.0.co%3B2). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0016-7606](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0016-7606).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** *Dictionary of Geology and Mineralogy* (2nd ed.). [McGraw Hill](/source/McGraw_Hill). 2003. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-07-141044-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-07-141044-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199239_33-0)** [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 39.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Kitsu Plateau"](https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=JAIJQ). *[Geographical Names Data Base](/source/GeoBase_(geospatial_data)#Geographical_Names_Data_Base)*. [Natural Resources Canada](/source/Natural_Resources_Canada). Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Kitsu Creek"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250126160558/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/4622.html). *[BC Geographical Names](/source/BC_Geographical_Names)*. Government of British Columbia – B.C. Geographical Names Office (BCGNO). Archived from [the original](https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/4622.html) on January 26, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["Kitsu Peak"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250620093938/https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/4624.html). *[BC Geographical Names](/source/BC_Geographical_Names)*. Government of British Columbia – B.C. Geographical Names Office (BCGNO). Archived from [the original](https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/4624.html) on June 20, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** ["Edziza: Photo Gallery"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250114000000/https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=320060&vtab=Photos). *[Global Volcanism Program](/source/Global_Volcanism_Program)*. [Smithsonian Institution](/source/Smithsonian_Institution). Archived from [the original](https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=320060&vtab=Photos) on January 14, 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mapbook_38-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mapbook_38-1) Mussio, Russell, ed. (2018). *Northern BC Backroad Mapbook*. Mussio Ventures. pp. 88, 89. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-926806-87-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-926806-87-7).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199231_39-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESouther199231_39-1) [Souther 1992](#CITEREFSouther1992), p. 31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** ["Tatlatui Park"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250807112509/https://bcparks.ca/tatlatui-park/). [BC Parks](/source/BC_Parks). Archived from [the original](https://bcparks.ca/tatlatui-park/) on August 7, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** ["Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250831193229/https://bcparks.ca/spatsizi-plateau-wilderness-park/). [BC Parks](/source/BC_Parks). Archived from [the original](https://bcparks.ca/spatsizi-plateau-wilderness-park/) on August 31, 2025.

### Sources

- [Souther, J. G.](/source/Jack_Souther) (1992). The Late Cenozoic Mount Edziza Volcanic Complex, British Columbia. *[Geological Survey of Canada](/source/Geological_Survey_of_Canada)* (Report). Memoir 420. Canada Communication Group. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.4095/133497](https://doi.org/10.4095%2F133497). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-660-14407-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-660-14407-7).

v t e Mount Edziza volcanic complex Cinder cones The Ash Pit Cache Hill Camp Hill Cinder Cliff Cocoa Crater Coffee Crater Eve Cone Exile Hill Icefall Cone Kana Cone Keda Cone Klastline Cone Mess Lake Cone Moraine Cone Nahta Cone Outcast Hill Ridge Cone Sidas Cone Sleet Cone Source Hill Storm Cone Thaw Hill Triplex Cones Twin Cone Walkout Creek centres Williams Cone Subglacial volcanoes Pillow Ridge Tennena Cone Tsekone Ridge Wetalth Ridge Central volcanoes Armadillo Peak Mount Edziza Ice Peak Spectrum Range Lava domes Glacier Dome IGC Centre Nanook Dome Pharaoh Dome The Pyramid Sphinx Dome Triangle Dome Lava fields Desolation Lava Field Mess Lake Lava Field Snowshoe Lava Field Plateaus Arctic Lake Plateau Big Raven Plateau Kitsu Plateau Ridges Artifact Ridge Cartoona Ridge Idiji Ridge Obsidian Ridge Pillow Ridge Sorcery Ridge Tsekone Ridge Wetalth Ridge Yagi Ridge Mountain passes Destell Pass Raspberry Pass Bluffs Koosick Bluff Ornostay Bluff Glaciers Idiji Glacier Tenchen Glacier Tencho Glacier Tennaya Glacier Streams Artifact Creek Ball Creek Bourgeaux Creek Chakima Creek Crayke Creek Elwyn Creek Flyin Creek Gerlib Creek Kadeya Creek Kitsu Creek Little Iskut River More Creek Nagha Creek Nido Creek Pyramid Creek Raspberry Creek Sezill Creek Shaman Creek Sorcery Creek Stewbomb Creek Tadekho Creek Taweh Creek Tenchen Creek Tennaya Creek Tsecha Creek Walkout Creek Stratigraphic units Armadillo Formation Big Raven Formation (Sheep Track Member) Edziza Formation Ice Peak Formation Kakiddi Formation Klastline Formation Little Iskut Formation Nido Formation (Tenchen Member) Pyramid Formation Raspberry Formation Other Cartoona Peak Gnu Butte Mess Creek Escarpment Volcanism of the Mount Edziza volcanic complex

v t e Plateaus and highlands of British Columbia Interior Plateau Fraser Cariboo Chilcotin Dil-Dil Quesnel Nechako McGregor Okanagan Thompson Bonaparte Nicoamen Shuswap Stikine Plateau Kawdy Klastline Nahlin Spatsizi Tagish Tahltan Arctic Lake Big Raven Kitsu Taku Tanzilla Yukon Plateau Dease Nisutlin Teslin Vancouver Island Forbidden Interior Plains Alberta

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Kitsu Plateau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsu_Plateau) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsu_Plateau?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.