Mount Crandell III
December 30, 2019
Mountain height: 2378 m
Elevation gain: 1000 m
Ascent time: 5:10
Descent time: 3:40
Snowshoe mountaineering with Mark.
I’ve always been a little leery about the term “snowshoe
mountaineering”, but if nothing else it sets these kind of trips, in terms of
their difficulty and seriousness, apart from your run-of-the-mill snowshoe
trip.
Mark
and I had talked about a winter ascent of Mount Crandell for years
and this day seemed as good as any to try. I had checked out a route
via the
east face two months earlier, avalanche conditions were relatively
benign, and a west facing route (of any mountain) was likely going to
be a losing battle
against the day’s predicted high winds (a hard learned lesson from Goat
Mountain II!).
Quickly, we reached the point where I had bailed last time, along the
way enjoying your typical fantastic Waterton scenery. The burned-out trees from
the 2017 Kenow fires made the approach especially interesting.
Crampons and ice axes came out for the next section. I thought this part
of the trip might require tricky route-finding through the rock bands up very
steep terrain. However, it turned out to be a relative breeze and we were onto gentler
terrain and the main ascent slope in no time. Here’s where the fun (?) began.
While the grade of the terrain was initially gentle and the snow not
terribly deep, both grade and depth soon increased considerably. Crampons were replaced
with snowshoes, but even so there was little support and we sank into the deep
snow on pretty much every step.
The next few hours were some of the most grueling we’ve ever experienced.
Anyone who has step-kicked wearing snowshoes knows how strenuous it is, especially on unsupportive snow. And
this slope never seemed to end. One hour and fifty minutes of exhausting travel
later and we finally reached the ridge.
We were exposed to two things upon reaching the ridge: 1. An insanely
amazing view of the Waterton Lakes and surrounding mountains; 2. An insanely
cold and biting wind. We fully expected the latter, but the former was a very nice
surprise. After a short break to take it all in, we followed the scenic ridge around
to the north side of the mountain and then on to the summit. The only
disappointing aspect of the summit view was that it was so cold we couldn’t stay
to thoroughly enjoy it. Instead we snapped as many photos as our frozen hands
would allow and then started down immediately.
Getting back, across the ridge to the top of the east face was easy and
again super scenic; getting down the main ascent slope much harder and more
time-consuming than predicted. Winds had completely covered and filled in our
uptracks and so we made a new track. Unfortunately, due to the steepness of the
slope, this required that we face into the mountain and basically step-kick all
the way down – not half as strenuous as step-kicking upslope, but not a
walk in the park either.
We finished the descent just as full darkness set in. An exhausting but
thoroughly engrossing, interesting, and gratifying day out on a wonderful mountain.
Mount Crandell, as seen on the drive in. The route we took went right up the centre to the ridge, then around to the summit.
Hiking around the mountain
The Kane's routes up Mount Crandell (Bear's Hump, Tick's Ridge, and the descent route) can be seen in the background
Our route essentially goes up the right skyline
Hiking through the burned-out forest
A beautiful and random exposed rock band
Looking up at the blackened trees
Fun travel up a scenic drainage
Mark rests below the rock bands we are about to tackle
My usual intimate moment with colourful Waterton rock
...this rock
Going up this snow slope was also an option, but it is steeper than appears and looked to to be very avalanche prone
Last look at the cool rock
Typical terrain on the lower slopes. It is steeper than appearances, but very manageable
Pleasant views towards the prairies throughout
A more accurate representation of the grade of the initial slope
Views towards Sofa Mountain, Vimy Peak and the Waterton Lakes start to improve
Another one of my Waterton favourites to the north: Bellevue Hill
Off the steep stuff and looking up to the route ahead
Easy travel through whitish, barkless trees to start the main ascent slope
Getting steeper
The interesting clouds, at least gave us an excuse to stop and catch our breath
Same as above
Mark has just gained the ridge
First view of Crandell's summit
I gain the ridge
Mark is already Face-timing his kids!
Ridge view towards Waterton
Starting up the ridge
Kicking up snow
Improving views of the lakes
Nice to have easy travel from here on in, but it was very windy and very cold
Mark stops at a rocky section to check out the view again
...that view
Enjoying the view of the route ahead too
But the one behind kept me turning around
While a more direct to the summit (left) is possible (though not recommended),
going over to the right highpoint and then following the ridge to the summit is definfitely the way to go
Mark leads the way
Varied snowshoeing conditions - sometimes supportive, sometimes not
The view to the west and northwest suddenly opens up quite dramatically
The view to the northwest includes Anderson, Newman, Newman Senior, Glendowan, Cloudy Ridge, Dundy Peak, Dungarvan, Galwey, and Rogan
Mount Blakiston dominates the view to the west, but Lineham and Ruby Ridge are also prominent
The southwest view features Buchanan Ridge, Carthew, and Alderson. The distant peak poking out through the clouds is Long Knife Peak.
Closing in on the summit
\
A wider view
The Upper Waterton Lake and Mount Cleveland
Final few steps for me
No exposed skin at the summit
Victory!
No shortage of blowing snow at the summit
The blowing snow and sunlight sometime creates weird visual effects in the photos
Mark leads the descent
Back on the ridge
Continued great views and ridge scenery
More blowing snow
Gettin' outta' Dodge!
Last look at Mount Cleveland
One more look at the lake. The famous Prince of Wales hotel is just visible.
Mount Galwey
Parting look at our descent route before the Sun sets
The End
