Commonwealth Lake II and Pig's Back II



April 20, 2015
 
Mountain height:  2433 m
Elevation gain:     564 m
Ascent time:        2:20
Descent time:     1:30
 
Solo snowshoe.
 
I really cannot get enough of this area. Commonwealth Ridge continues to be one of my favourite trips in Kananaskis and so I thought it was time to return to Commonwealth Lake and possibly Pig’s Back – an ascent Mark and I had completed in our very early days of mountain travels.
 
A trail was broken most of the way to Commonwealth Lake and therefore it took only 40 minutes to reach that destination from the car. The view of Commonwealth Peak above its namesake Lake was outstanding in perfect weather conditions.
 
More stunning scenery awaited, as I made my way over the lake and up the valley towards Pig’s Back. A boulder field below the east side of Pig’s Back had me running all over the place, trying to explore every nook and cranny!
 
The ascent of Pig’s Back, up a classic avalanche slope and then to the col it shares with Commonwealth Peak, was steep but straightforward. As expected, the surrounding scenery continued to improve. The final push to the summit required a little care – steep slopes falling away to the right and a severe drop down the left side of the mountain – but of course ended with a magnificent view summit view.
 
For descent, I did consider attempting the loop route via Commonwealth Creek. However, the thought of several kilometres of trail-breaking through deep snow quickly quelled that option. I settled for a wonderfully easy and scenic return via my ascent route - almost. Once back at Commonwealth Lake I descended the creek that drains the lake – great route for snowshoes – fast, easy and avoids any elevation gains that may be necessary for the normal route.
 
A superb day!  


Left to right: Commonwealth Ridge, Commonwealth Peak,
Pig's Back (in front of pointy Pig's Tail), Pig's Tail, and Mount Birdwood



Crossing the flats of Smuts Creek



Commonwealth Lake, with Commonwealth Peak and Pig's Back







Turn around to see Old Goat Mountain and Mount Nestor



Approaching the boulder field




The cornice between Commonwealth Ridge and Peak looks quite threatening



Superb scenery throughout the ascent



Random tree



Engadine, The Tower, and Galatea join the show



Distant Smutwood Peak (left) and daunting Mount Smuts



Avalanches off Pig's Tail



Ski tracks



At the col, looking towards the summit of Pig's Back (left)







Close-up of the summit block











Commonwealth Ridge looks straightforward from this angle, but it does have a sting at the end



Summit view to the north



Summit view to the south



Last look at Commonwealth Peak



Maybe one more!



Back out on the flats, with Murray, Prairie Lookout, and Burstall in the background. The End
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