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Calgary, Alberta
67 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 08:51 AM
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On Saturday we attempted the North Ridge of Storm Mountain. The area appears to be low risk for avalanches given the gentle slopes, trees and deadfall. We climbed 1000 m -- 800 m on snowshoes -- before we turned back when we reached a narrow, exposed ridge just short of the summit. Even though we didn't summit it was worth the climb to take in the alpine scenery.
For the trip report, photos and movie, see: http://bobspirko.ca/Snowshoe/StormNRidge/StormNRidge.html
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737 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 10:52 AM
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Wow, you sure got far! It's a pity that you weren't able to complete the last little bit! It's also impressive that you got as far as you did, too. At this time of year, I'm sure that you did not expect to summit.
It's always safer to play it safe and live to hike again another day (having said that, I'd probably either have gone on to the summit or turned back when I got too scared to continue!).
Thanks for sharing,
Granticulus |
Edited by - Granticulus on 03/14/2008 11:24 AM |
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 Alberta-based choss climbin', flame throwin', rappel lovin', ass talkin' hater who doesn't like "Gumby" for a descriptor
6302 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 11:13 AM
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| Was there enough snow coverage to ski without hitting burried logs? |
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High River, (just south of Calgary eh!), Alberta
Canada
1700 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 12:03 PM
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| Nice website. I like the pictures that can be moused over to see alternate views... The video is very well done too. |
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Canmore, AB
Canada
1238 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 4:07 PM
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Good job Bob!
I was at Boom Lake on that same day and I remember looking at Storm Mountain... wondering if it could be done at this time of year. Seriously!
Although I haven't scrambled it yet, I remember that it was famous for two things - the deadfall at the base and the scree. Doing it at this time of year would eliminate those factors but I guess it'd be riskier due to the snow up top.
Maybe I'll give it a try on the Easter long weekend.  |
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Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 7:46 PM
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Um, the N ridge is about 5.5, it looks like you were on the W-SW ridge? The normal ski route comes up from the creek to the south and definitely has one area that could produce slides.
Good job on the trip. But holy that's a bony snowpack. |
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Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13453 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 8:04 PM
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Great report and photos. That is one long hike.
Many thanks for delighting us with such a report on a mountain far removed from our own corner of the province.
As others have stated, safety first so you can come back another day.
K |
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Okotoks, Alberta
Canada
326 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 9:44 PM
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Good trip report as usual Bob. Did you buy a new camera because those pictures look different than before or maybe it's the lighting that day.
But good to know that with a couple more warm days this one might be doable around April or early May if the snow stays away.... but then there is no skiing. Life is so hard
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Hope, BC
Canada
7097 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2008 : 06:38 AM
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Nice report and video! Close enough to the summit for me!
Great report, looks like a little toughie viewing from my desk
I could see it wasn't easy in some spots... Thanks for sharing! |
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Calgary, Alberta
67 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2008 : 07:48 AM
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Thanks for your feedback, everyone. It's appreciated.
time2climb: I would have liked to have seen deeper snow myself. I was hitting logs and I noticed ski tracks running over logs as well.
spicytuna: From what I saw of the route going up the basin of Storm Mountain, I was surprised how good it looked. It appeared mostly snow-free above the scree slope. I didn't notice any cornices but that's not to say there weren't any.
sandy: With respect to the summit of Storm Mountain, the high point of the ridge we were on is NWN.
wbylsma: Same camera, Canon Powershot IS3. I also thought of doing the ridge when the snow has disappeared although the approach would be more challenging and look like this (taken on the approach for Storm Mountain):
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Storm Mountain, North Ridge attempt
