Noseeum Peak V
July 12, 2016
Mountain height: 3002 m
Elevation gain: 1150 m
Ascent time: 4:20
Descent time: 3:00
Solo scramble.
After three attempts with my brother and one successful ascent with Raff
K., I returned to Noseeum Peak to make better notes for a route description.
The weather was going to be dismal, but Raff and I had experience pretty decent
conditions in so I wasn’t too concerned about not getting any
views on one of the most scenic trips along Highway 93N. I also wanted to
complete an ascent of the more difficult southeast ridge, as opposed to the
easier southwest ridge. Mark and I had failed the difficult route due too
excessive snow, but Raff and I had successfully downclimbed the route.
The trip went exactly as planned and although the lower cloud cover did
make for some atmospheric views, they were somewhat lackluster when compared to
an ascent with clear skies. Nevertheless, even with gloomy skies, the
wonderful and remarkably varied scenery reminded me of why this is one of my
favourite scrambles in the Rockies – extraordinary water scenery, extraordinary
rock scenery, magnificent colours, and unparalleled views (although those views
were completely absent by the time I reached the summit).
Upclimbing the more difficult southeast ridge was somewhat of a
route-finding challenge, but only required some moderate scrambling, with a
little exposure.
I arrived at the summit to a not so welcome dumping of snow, sleet and high winds
(what the heck – it’s July 12 !?!?). My summit stay was pretty short, the
weather showing signs of worsening. For descent, I took the easy route down.
Thankfully the really bad weather stayed away.
Mission accomplished!
The southwest side of Noseeum has many potentially interesting lines
The route up the first headwall goes up the centre
More water scenery above the first headwall
He/she didn't seem to mind me invading his/her home. Thank you!
Near
Noseeum Lake, the entire mountain is visible. The easy route is near
the far left, the summit is left of centre
and the difficult route goes
around the right side of the lake and then follows the ridge to the
summit
Here comes the bad weather!
The drop down the east side of the mountain is always a thrill
No shortage of colourful rock on Noseeum
The challenging ridge ahead
Challenging terrain on the challenging ridge. Had to go around this section
The weather starts to clear a little on descent. Zero visibility at the summit - didn't take a single photo!
Looking back at the summit (right) from the easy descent route
Noseeum Lake sometimes reflects beautiful colours
Much clearer skies. Looking back at much of the route. The easy ramp
can be seen hear the left side and the difficult ridge route at the far
right
The southwest end of Noseeum
Colourful moss