Survey Peak

Survey Peak

December 28, 2009

Mountain height:         2672 m
Elevation gain:            approx. 1400 m
Ascent time:                7:05
Descent time:              3:45

Snowshoeing with Mark, Dan, and Ferenc.

The next time we do a winter ascent of Survey Peak, I’m getting a troupe of Cub Scouts to break trail for us, in fulfillment of their obligation to do good deeds. This was probably the most strenuous 1400 metres of vertical elevation we’ve ever gained. Fortunately, on either end of those 1400 m, we all experienced some outstanding mountain scenery and views.

Survey Peak, in the vicinity of the Saskatchewan River Crossing, had been on our hit-list for a long time. We wanted snow on the mountain, to enhance the scenery, and clear skies to do the same. We got both and also two eager individuals to help with the trail-breaking duties – Dan and Ferenc.

The often dull 5 km approach, along Glacier Lake Trail, was fortuitously interrupted by several fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and a rare appearance of a winter, partially visible rainbow in front of Mount Murchison.

At approximately the 5 km mark of the trail we left it and started what was to become the most labourious, energy-sucking, mentally-numbing slog imaginable, up the treed slopes of Survey’s southeast side. We certainly weren’t expecting this section to be a cakewalk, but how hard could it be with four people to share the trail-breaking? Later in the day, Mark’s appropriate description of “at the high end of BRUTAL!” answered that question. The trees went on and on, the slope went on and on, the deep, completely unsupportive snow went on and on! Every time we thought we were about to arrive at tree-line, more trees appeared. Only the blue sky above and the hope of great views at the summit kept us going.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally broke tree-line and took a break to marvel at views of the surrounding mountains – Wilson, Murchison, Sarbach, and Outram were all outstanding, as was the impressively steep, northeast face of Survey. A look south, down the Howse River Valley was also particularly gratifying.

The final 400 vertical metres to the summit, while far easier than what had preceded them, were still tiring – the powdery snow offering little support. We arrived at the top not more than 5 minutes before the Sun dipped below the horizon. Being there an hour earlier would have been nice, but at least we got to see the last rays of the Sun lighting up the summit cairn and a few of the surrounding peaks. Needless to say, the summit view was incredible, highlights of which were the complex massif of Mount Erasmus, Mount Forbes, and the peaks previously mentioned. As a note of interest, to date Erasmus has seen only two ascents, the second of which was completed by Rick Collier, Manfred Czechak, and John Holmes in July of this year. After reading Mr. Collier's trip report and the phrase "serious technical demands on the five-pitch couloir", I immediately moved the peak onto my "Not Without a Helicopter Ride to the Top" list.

The descent went without any problems and was mercifully easy, though several groans of exhaustion were heard during the last few kilometres.

Overall, a tiring, but otherwise outstanding ascent.

Howse Peak, reflected in the roof of Ferenc's van