Ref: Drew
and Mark in the Canadian Rockies |
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Mount Sparrowhawk
peeks above Read's Ridge. |
Snowshoe trip:
RT 6.5; 3.25 up.
We set off early to head out to sunny Kananaskis Country. Well aware of
the
recent strong winds battering this region, we expected scoured slopes
in the alpine. We met Charles at the unplowed Sparrowhawk Parking area;
there were already several cars along the road. The air was crisp and
the sky was clear, a promising day. The trail was well packed, we hiked
up casually. Near treeline, we came across some avalanche debris
in mature trees; we couldn't see the trigger point. Shortly thereafter,
we saw the terrain feature where the cornice had fractured. With the
recent strong winds, lee slopes are loaded with stiff slabs. Beyond
that, at treeline, we followed the wind-swept ridge. The ascent was
easy and the weather was fantastic. We enjoyed a good summit stay;
we saw two teams of skiers come up the ridge and ski
down the same way... Numerous fishing huts dotted the ice on the lake
and we noticed a skier pulled by a kite. It was a very busy day out
here. Reluctant to head down, we lollygagged plenty on our return.
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The trail is
well packed by skiers and snowshoers. |
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We headed left near
some bluffs, it's impossible to miss all the blue flagging! |
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Avalanche debris
near treeline surprised us... |
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At treeline, this
terrain feature promotes cornice formation. |
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Big blocks of stiff
slab are evidence of the recent wind event. |
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Breaking out of the
trees and debris. |
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The rest of the
ascent is scoured by wind. |
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The south-west
slopes of Sparrowhawk offer good skiing under the right conditions...
not today! |
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Approaching our
objective. |
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Very straightforward. |
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One would not want
to be
distracted and step on this cornice... |
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Summit cairn with
Mount Sparrowhawk in the background. |
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Spray Lakes
Reservoir, looking south-west. |
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Lounging at the top;
enjoying a warm, sunny day. |
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Pleasant outing and
great weather for January. |
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Fracture line of the
slab avalanche. |
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Debris appears to be
a few days old, it ran well into the trees. |
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Another fine day out
in the mountains. |
Back to home page |
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