Opal Ridge (south summit) attempt
- May 20, 2002
- Mountain height: 2,597 m (8,518 feet)
Scrambling with Colleen, Mark, Keri, Stuart, Dave, Darrell, and Greg (Colleen's cousin).
It started off as a very promising hike: some minor bushwhacking, interesting and varied terrain, deep snow in places, fast elevation gain. As we got higher, however, the hike became more of a scramble and we eventually figured out that we had taken the wrong route. Mark, Keri, and Darrell were quite a ways behind and decided to turn back. The rest of us (about two thirds of the way up the mountain), stopped for a lunch break and decided what to do. Stuart and I went to do a little exploring, which eventually took us to within 30-40 meters of the summit. Unfortunately, we were stopped by a small rock band. Had the conditions been snow free we might have attempted it, but erring on the side of caution seemed wise. Colleen, Greg, and Dave started to come up and we started down, to meet them halfway, where we all headed back to the car. It might have been somewhat of a disappointment had we not almost made the summit, however, everyone enjoyed the day and we decided to try again another day.
The ascent slopes of Opal Ridge South; this is where we should have been, instead of taking pictures of it from across the gully
Colleen, David, Stuart, and Greg; the summit is above and to the left
Opal Ridge II (south summit)
- May 25, 2002
- Mountain height: 2,597 m (8,518 feet)
- Elevation gain: 1,012 m
- Ascent time: 3:10
- Descent time: 2:30
- 6 km round trip
Scrambling with Mark and Colleen.
5 days after our interesting trek up the wrong part of the mountain we made another attempt. A heavy snowfall during the week made for some pretty dicey conditions. The first half of the hike was relatively easy, interesting and fun. As we gained elevation, the depth and amount of snow became a concern. There were several areas where we initially were not sure whether there was solid ground beneath the snow.
Upon reaching the first major ridge, we had a good view of the snow covered trek to the summit. It looked a little dangerous (heavy snow, cornices), but we went ahead. We made our way up through some very interesting rock formations and after one steeper section (snow-covered ice), we found ourselves on a wide plateau, looking up at the summit. We crossed the plateau and headed for the top. About 1 minute from the summit we hit the crux: a very small, snow-covered, upward traverse (not more than 10 meters) across a steep slope to the summit. There was ice underneath the snow and one slip would have sent you on a very nasty fall. We stood behind a large rock band contemplating whether to attempt it. We were so close to the top that eventually determination won out over common sense and Mark started the traverse. All three of us made it and we rested, enjoying the summit view and a good lunch. The north and south traverse of the ridge looked very interesting and we will have to try them when the snow has melted. A great hike and we all felt very good about making the summit in tough conditions.
Colleen looking up at interesting rock formations
Colleen and I ascending the crux; it was quite a bit steeper than it looks and there was a drop-off below (of course, we found out almost a year later that this was the wrong route and completely unecessary)
Mark at our summit; the true summit is at the left; the dark clouds in beautiful contrast to the white snow
Another view of the true summit; notice our ascent tracks on the crux
One more snowy, summit scene
Opal Ridge III (south summit)
-
March 29, 2003
- Mountain height: 2,597 m (8,518 feet)
- Elevation gain: 1,012 m
- Ascent time: 2:50
- Descent time: 2:10
- 6 km round trip
Scrambling with Mark.
Given the generally dreary conditions everywhere, completing the south summit of Opal Ridge seemed like a safe bet. Colleen, Mark, and I hadn't actually reached the true summit last May, due to heavy snow and our "nail-biting" ascent to the ridge.
The ascent was very enjoyable. There was far less snow than on our previous ascent, making travel considerably easier and more safe. Upon reaching the plateau, before the final push to the ridge, we were amazed to discover an easy walk-up route to the right, completely by-passing the steep and treacherous route of May. I don't know how we missed this line. Probably, the heavy snow and cloud cover made visibility difficult and deceiving. Upon reaching the ridge, we headed towards the summit. It was not as far as it looked and the enjoyable ridgewalk only took about 10-15 minutes. The summit view was beautiful - the
The best part of the day occurred at the summit, when I turned around to see the group of 20 or so bighorn sheep standing right in front of us. They stared at us curiously and then about half of them started heading away, right along the edge of the ridge. It was amazing to see them effortlessly bound across this razor-edge with incredible ease and speed. The remaining half looked as though they were about to go also, when all of a sudden one of them started slowly towards us. The rest then followed and then, one by one, they made a mad dash passed us, not more than 20 meters away. We were spellbound by this unexpected encounter and just managed to get a few photos.
After the excitement at the top, we descended with ease. A little detour to the top of a nearby rock formation was pleasant and gave us great views of Opal Ridge's stunning cliff faces.
Standing atop a rock pinnacle on ascent
Almost at the ridge, with the summit in the background
Mark at the summit; the Lower Kananaskis Lake can be seen to the right
The summit ridge to the south; the dark clouds behind, the sun shining on the snow, and the large group of bighorn sheep in the middle, made this a wonderful scene
Here come the sheep!! They started moving towards us slowly and then one by one they bolted passed us, about 20 meters away
HOME
SCRAMBLES
MOUNTAINEERING
OTHER TRIPS
PHOTO GALLERY
LOG
FAVOURITES
LINKS