Yarrow Ridge IV
March 1, 2020
Mountain height: 2128 m
Elevation gain: 750 m
Roundtrip time: 3:00
Scramble with Matt and Sandra.
After a fantastic trip up Yarrow Ridge two weeks earlier I was super
motivated to repeat the ascent. Yarrow Ridge III had suffered two setbacks
(cloudy weather and an accidental deletion of all the summit photos) and I
therefore wanted redemption. I was delighted when Matt Clay and Sandra Jacques
contacted me the day before and agreed to join me.
The start of the trip was delayed a little by my carelessness (left my
gloves at home and had to drive back to get them), but once on our way, we
enjoyed beautifully clear skies and windless conditions. With a forecast that called
for much of the same for most of the day we proceeded in good spirits and with
great optimism for an outstandingly scenic trip.
Initially taking a similar route to my earlier trip, we soon encountered
terrain that was more challenging that I had hoped for. In general, the firm
snow provided good footing, with little chance of a slip. However, patches of
hard snow on steep slopes gave our microspikes a real run for their money.
There was the option to descend and circumvent these sections, but Matt and
Sandra stepped right up to the challenge and we were onto the easier southeast
side of the peak before long.
Reaching easier terrain was the good news; the bad news: a rapid
deterioration of the weather. Not only were the western skies consumed with
heavy clouds, but the wind picked up to an alarming degree (and of course a
bone-chilling cold along with it). So much for the perfect weather!
We continued up to both summits, battling not only the wind, but the
insane blowing snow caused by it. Our summit stay was two minutes at best, in which
time I managed to snap one photo before my hands succumbed to the cold. Matt
was far braver than I, managing to get some good shots of the decent, but
disappointing, summit view.
We used the alternate descent route, via the south ridge, to get down to
a more hospitable environment as quickly as possible. After a quick lunch, a
pleasant hike around the mountain brought our little adventure to an end. Although
the weather, once again, turned into crap, the outstanding company made for a
more than worthwhile return to a great little outlier that will likely see me
again.
Click HERE to see Matt's excellent report.
Clearing weather over Mount Crandell, on the drive to the trailhead
Heading straight for the east face of Yarrow Ridge. Eventually we veered off to the left (photo by Matt)
Matt and Sandra approach an interesting outcrop of rock
Matt checks out a mysterious glass jar placed on the rock
The traverse around to the southeast of the peak begins
Matt leads the way, as the magnificent rock scenery starts to reveal itself
Something has caught my interest ...... (photo by Matt)
....probably these beautiful layers of colourful rock
More upward traversing, with good footing (photo by Matt)
Matt and Sandra come across a section of hard snow where the footing was a little more precarious
More stellar rock
A very striking rock feature
Not as striking but still very cool
Still traversing
Onto easier slopes and heading up to the ridge
Same as above (photo by Matt)
This is where the wind picked up considerably
And the clouds started to roll in (photo by Matt)
On the ridge, looking west to the two summits of Yarrow Ridge (left). Mount Yarrow and Mount Roche (Spread Eagle Mountain) behind.
Matt and Sandra ascend into blustery conditions
Heading for the first summit (photo by Matt)
We didn't even stop at the first summit and went right on towards the higher peak
Brief reprieve from the blowing snow (photo by Matt)
The wind is back. Sandra and I struggle against its force (photo by Matt)
Another break from the wind and a good look at Mount Yarrow (photo by Matt)
Not much farther to go
Still enjoying a break from the wind
But not for long! The last stretch to the summit was brutal.
Matt has to lean back into the wind to take photos
Summit view. Not what we had hoped for (photo by Matt).
Heading down (photo by Matt)
Still getting punished by the winds and blowing snow (photo by Matt)
Same as above (photo by Matt)
......with the occasional reprieve (photo by Matt)
Matt takes advantage of a glissadable section of snow
Working our down steep and slippery terrain
Matt descends the weakness in the lower rock band
Looking up to the lower rock band
The hard snow in this drainage was not conducive to easy travel
The pleasant hike around the objective
Skeletal and furry remains of something
The End
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