Word for inlets of a mountain

Can the word inlet be used for mountains, too? I'm looking for a word that describes valleys that reach into the mountain, but don't go across it.

Here is a picture that tries to describe what I'm looking for.

I found this picture with a coulee. Is that a good word?

I'm not specifically looking for steep valleys or canyons, but rather for soft valleys.

EDIT: Thanks a lot for the input. I think I'm going with “a valley that reaches into the mountain but doesn't cross it”. I think notch is also good, but isn't as easy to understand for non-native speakers, which are my targeted readers. Seems like notch isn't what I want either. Maybe combe?

Solution 1:

I suggest valley or, more specifically, U-shaped valley which, I presume means open-ended.

http://www.sciencepartners.info/?page_id=1253

ravine a small, deep, narrow valley

cirque A steep-walled hollow in a mountain side, shaped like an amphitheater, or bowl, with one side partially cut away. Place of origin of a mountain glacier.

gully a ravine formed by the action of water.

couloir a steep gorge or gully on the side of a mountain, especially in the Alps.

Update

I have found a diagram that I think covers the subject pretty adequately.

Picture from compassdude.com

Solution 2:

draw (or re-entrant)

Draw (terrain)

A draw differs from a valley or an arroyo, in that the ground always slopes downward from a draw in only one direction, and upward in the other three.

Wikipedia

Picture from armystudyguide.com

Solution 3:

To be more specific than valley, it's a combe. Alternative forms are "comb", "coomb" and "coombe".

It defines a short valley or deep hollow, esp in chalk areas, a valley enclosed on all but one side.

source

Solution 4:

Inlet is used only for water-filled valleys, so wouldn't be appropriate. Valley is correct to describe these formations. Most valleys do not go 'all the way across' a mountain. That would be called a 'pass'

Worldwide there are lots of local words for this type of thing. One of my favourites is cwm, (pronounced "koom") originally a Welsh word but accepted in English, meaning a small bowl-shaped valley. You have already mentioned coulee, which is more general and could be applied.

Another English term for something similar, but specifically with steep sides is corrie (from the Gaelic coire). They can also be referred to as 'bowls'.

(Incidentally, the definition of cwm is evidence of the use of valley for a formation that doesn't go all the way across a mountain.)

Solution 5:

Notches or Saddles.

As you can see on Bald Mountain:

A series of notches can create a saddle.