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Calgary
198 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2012 : 5:40 PM
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So why do I say this was a different kind of snowshoe trip? Because for over half the way there was only 1 inch of snow and mountain scenery was minimal, but it was still really pleasant! Instead of mounds of snow and peaks, there were ice climbs (frozen waterfalls) and incredibly weird ice formations in the stream. Interesting cliff walls too.
So the destination this week was Evan Thomas Creek. While the Barrier Lake information center folk told me there was avalanche danger along the creek I certainly didn't see any, so probably best to use your own judgement. The trail starts at the Evan Thomas parking lot (about 5 minutes south of the Nakiska turnoff on highway 40), follows an old road for 2 km, then connects up with Evan Thomas Creek. From here simply follow the creek upstream following bits of trail along the creek and in the forest. The trail effectively ends when the creek narrows to a gorge about 4.7 km in, but you can keep going if you're prepared and motivated.
Yesterday (Jan. 14th) there was hardly any snow for most of the way - perhaps an inch or two of fresh stuff on top of the icy trail - and our snowshoes were somewhat excessive gear. Farther up the creek the snow deepened to about a foot, but the ice climbers have packed down a trail that's easily passable in boots.
I've written up more, as usual, on my website: http://mattclay.zenfolio.com/evan_thomas_snowshoe. A few pics are below:
 The most unusual ice formation I've ever seen, and I have no idea how it formed (the ball - about the size of a walnut - is completely suspended by the column of ice)
 Chantilly Falls, with a few ice climbers on it. |
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High River, (just south of Calgary eh!), Alberta
Canada
1697 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2012 : 6:06 PM
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I'm no ice scientist but I think those balls and other shapes get formed when the end of the icsicle gets dunked repeatedly in the water by the fluctuations in the current. Each dunking puts another little layer on.
That photo does look a little like a frozen frog though!
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 Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2012 : 7:07 PM
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| I once skied (mostly walked) from Little Elbow to Evan Thomas in March, there was no snow then either. I also could see no avalanche danger. |
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Calgary
198 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2012 : 7:10 PM
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| Hmm...that would make sense...good thought! |
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A different kind of snowshoe trip - Evan Thomas
