Mount Allan II

Mount Allan II – December 29, 2006

Mountain height:           2819 m
Elevation gain:              1350 m
Ascent time:                  4:45
Descent time:                3:10

Solo hike.

On a quasi nostalgic/sentimental whim I decided to give Mount Allan another go. Exactly five years ago to the day, Mark and I had completed an ascent of the mountain and even to this day that trip remains one of our favourites – the weather was perfect and included a couple of unique meteorological phenomena (low-lying clouds beneath us, and the appearance of ice crystals in the air) and there was an inversion (it was about 15 ^oC warmer at the summit than at the parking lot). As well, the scenery throughout was fantastic, especially the striking pinnacles just before the summit. We were also witness to a pack of wolves stalking a deer – very entertaining.

The chances of a repeat experience were second to none, but I couldn’t think of anything better to do, so what the heck – up I went! All started off quite well. The skies were clear and above tree line the scenery was beautiful, especially covered in a fresh layer of snow. Unfortunately, there were no visible ice crystals in the air and no low-lying clouds. There was, however, a ton of wildlife on the slopes: a herd of deer down low and several large groups of sheep above me. I did my best to avoid them, side-sloping to get around the animals, but at one point I popped up over a small rise to find a group of 5 or 6 big-horn sheep not more than 10 metres away. I was startled, but they didn’t seem too concerned and slowly moved away.

Higher on the ridge, the wind picked up a little, but nothing too alarming. Nearing the pinnacles, the wind picked up a little more and out came every layer of clothing I had. At the pinnacles, the wind unleashed bloody hell on the mountain (and me, of course) and conditions were absolutely brutal. It took me over three hours to negotiate the long ridge and most of it while being pummeled by the relentless wind and an enormous amount of blowing snow.

I was completely wiped out by the time I made the summit, but only stayed for about two minutes – it was simply too cold be standing still, even for a couple of minutes. As well, the sky had clouded over and the view not as good as on our previous trip on the mountain.

I didn’t think for a second that the descent could be any more draining the ascent, but it was. The wind increased in strength even more and several times I had to stop to brace myself, in fear of being blown over (a few more Quarter-Pounders with cheese per week might help there!). It also lasted until I was well below tree line.

A very different experience than our ascent five years ago, but definitely a trip that is worthwhile to repeat.

The north and east faces of Mount Kidd

Same as above

Mount Kidd again, with The Wedge at the left

Approaching tree line

Rocks with snow

Two deer (right side) spot me as I ascend the lower slopes; Ribbon Peak to the left

A group of big-horn sheep traverse the side of the mountain; note the multiple sets of animal tracks on the slopes - obviously why this trail is closed for lambing in April, May, and June