Narao Peak attempt
March 13, 2004
Mountain height: 2,974 m
Elevation gain: 1,380 m (we
came up approx. 200 vertical metres short)
Ascent time: 5:40
Descent time: 2:35
Scrambling
and snowshoeing with Mark.
I
think that this will be our last attempt at a “moderate” rated scramble during
the winter – at least for this season anyway! We have failed to make the
summits of each of the last three – Shark, Nestor, and Narao – although having
said that, all three were among the most scenic and visually stunning of all
our trips and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
It is
not so much the technical elements that make moderate scrambles difficult to
complete in the winter, as it is the shortness of the day, and the added time
and energy required to ascend snowy terrain. For example, it took us over 3
grueling hours just to make it to the ridge on Narao, and it was much the same
story on Mount Shark. Even with snowshoes on the
snow-packed trail, the ascent from the Lake O’Hara
road to the treeline was long and laborious. In summer, it seems that this
ascent takes about 30-40 minutes – in the winter conditions, it took us over an
hour and a half.
Once
above the treeline, we were able to ditch our snowshoes and head up to the
ridge on foot. The fresh snow over loose rubble again made for a slow, cautious
ascent. The weather and views were great throughout, but upon attaining the
ridge, we were greeted by a spectacular view of Mounts Niblock and Whyte and Popes Peak.
This fantastic view more than made the trip worthwhile, even if we couldn’t
make the summit (of course, the view to the west and northwest – craggy
Cathedral Mountain, Carnarvon, Burgess, Field Wapta, The Presidents, McArthur,
Isolated Peak, Balfour,
pointed Mount des Poilus, the glaciated Wapta Icefield, Ogden, Paget Peak, Niles, Daly, Bosworth, and Hector –
wasn’t too shabby either!).
We
continued up the snowy ridge until we came to a small plateau below significant
rockband. Unfortunately, this step proved to be a little too much in the snowy
conditions and after repeated tries in several different areas, we gave up and
returned to the plateau. We did eventually find the correct route up a gully,
however, it was filled with a vertical wall of icy snow. Mark spent a few
minutes trying to hack away some of the snow, but our turn around time had
passed and since we anticipated a slow descent, retreat was the prudent
decision.
I
know I harp on this point often, but there is nothing that can come
close to
competing with winter scenery in the mountains – especially above 2000
metres. Even 200 vertical metres below the summit, I’d have to rate
this as one of the Rockies most outstanding
panoramas. Words simply can’t to it justice, so I won’t even bother!
The
descent was actually easier than expected, and we made it back to the car well
before the sun set. Another failed summit, but overall a resoundingly successful
and satisfying day!
Above treeline, with a great view of Cathedral Mountain
On the amazing north ridge of Narao
Approaching a significant obstacle
Great view to the northwest, featuring Ogden, Niles, Balfour, and Daly
Farther west sits Wapta Mountain and many others
The east face of Narao is beyond stunning!
Closer look at Niles, Balfour, and Daly
A little diversion
Last look at the east face before retreat