February 5, 2022 - Stats: 9 km / 670m gain / 1842m high / 3:30 hours MT
This is a popular snowshoe that our club does every winter. It was the first time we drove the Coquihalla Hwy since the flood in November. We were astounded by the complete annihilation of a large section of the west-bound hwy just past Hope. But we were also thankful we now had access once again to the many snowshoe routes in the Coquihalla recreational area.
After a fresh dump of snow and temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, conditions were ideal for snowshoeing. We parked by the highway, having a bit of a later start. On a Saturday, this meant not having to break trail.
After about 20 minutes of snowshoeing, we got to the base of the pipeline. In the summer you can park there. The peaks remained mostly obscured by cloud during the ascent. The first part of the pipeline was the steepest.
At the highest point of the pipeline road, we regrouped before entering the forest. We were now about halfway there, with the steepest slopes behind us.
Approaching the ridge.
At our destination, 2:30 hours later. This is the sub-summit, the summit being too dangerous with it's avalanche slopes.
Playing jump-and-slide-off-of-the-cornice.
During lunch the cloud started to lift. Looking at Thar, Nak & Yak Peaks.
Falls Lake down below.
This is the race-down-the-slope-in-snowshoes game. As the video will show you, it's not easy to do.
During the descent we stuck to the right side of the slope and messed up the smooth blanket of snow.
Yak.
The triplets. I traversed this ridge in Sept. 2021. After attempting to summit Thar twice with the club in the winter, and not succeeding, I came to the conclusion that the only way to summit it safely would be when it's snow free in the fall.
We stuck to untouched powder slopes which is a relaxing way to descend, the snow providing a natural brake.
Thank you Fred for leading and paving the way for the rest of us.
We staying mostly right through the forest, connecting with the pipeline at about the halfway point.
Cal just had to go (toilets at the base of the pipeline road). But there's not much privacy and you have to climb down into it.
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