| Ref: Drew
and Mark in the Canadian Rockies. |
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Recognizable outline
of Mount Chephren in the morning glow. |
| Snowshoe
trip: RT 9.0; 6.0 up. Inspired by Drew and Mark's trip report, we set
off hoping we would find remnants of their up-track in the trees. We
left early and hiked the Glacier Lake Trail quickly along the Howse
River Flats.
After passing two little bridges, near the 5 km mark, we searched for
signs of an up-track. We kept going away from the east ridge of Survey
and started thinking we missed their trail; maybe it's buried.
Therefore,
off the trail we went, weaving through trees and deadfall into shallow
snow; the worst was to follow... As we gained height, the snowpack
started to get deeper and remained unconsolidated. Trail breaking was
very difficult, Fab and I took turns in front. We initially stayed in a
forested gully feature, where the snow was shallower. Higher up,
knee-deep trail breaking slowed progress; at some point, I didn't think
we
would make it up there. As we continued, aiming for snow bombs on the
ground, the snowpack became more supportive. After 4 hours,
nearly on the ridge, we noticed the old up-track. Still discernable,
we followed it to treeline. We took our second 15-minute
break and
started heading to the top. We reached the cairn very exhausted but
happy to be there, awesome views all around. We had tea and cookies,
the wind was light. This is a nice, long snowshoe trip with rewarding sights and accomplishment. |
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Looking north-west
from the bridge. |
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The objective from
the viewpoint, 2.3 km in. |
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Howse River Flats
and Mount Outram. |
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Finally on the
ridge, after 4 hours of great effort. |
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At treeline, we
enjoyed the weather and surrounding sights. |
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Final plod to the
summit. |
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Mount Wilson
dominates the eastern view. |
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Snowshoeing to the
top. |
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Mount Forbes. |
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Time
for a cup-o-tea. |
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Heading
back down, Saskatchewan Crossing ahead. |
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Large
cornice and wind features. |
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A
good look at Cirrus Mountain. |
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One
last look and soak in the sun. |
| Back to home page |
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