CDMC
Mount Allan Brooks; Sun May 16, 2010; snowshoeing; leader: Tim Penney      return to Reports

If we had relied on the weather forecast to decide whether or not to do this trip we would just have sat at home or gone to the Gear Swap. As it turned out we had fabulous weather with sunshine and blue skies for the beginning of the trip and no rain until we were back at the Raven Lodge.

The snow was fairly soft which made it easier to dig our snowshoes in for the steep climbs, but also made it more likely to slide away under foot. We gained the summit and stopped for lunch break at around midday. Fifty minutes later we started heading down the southern ridge and eventually back to Helen Mackenzie Lake. It was quite interesting heading down the steep ridge. It involved a lot of bum sliding between the trees to descend the 1200 feet back down to the lake. In some areas a rope was used to assist in the descent.

Although I took my two way radios I left them in my vehicle as I was not anticipating the small group becoming separated. However, on the steep descent we did become separated and the radios would have been a great asset had I taken them along.

There is still a lot of snow around Paradise Meadows and the nearer lakes although there is definitely signs of spring breakup by the creeks and wet areas. The lakes are still frozen but, whilst it looks OK to walk around the edge, I don't think that it would be wise to adventure too far from shore. The park signs at the start of the boardwalk and up at Helen Mackenzie Lake are still completely buried under 8 or 9 foot of snow.

More photos are available for viewing.

Tim Penney photo: GPS Map
GPS Map
[Tim Penney photo]
Tim Penney photo: Signs of the spring breakup alongside the ski trail
Signs of the spring breakup alongside the ski trail
[Tim Penney photo]

Tim Penney photo: A quick clothing adjustment stop by Piggott Creek bridge
A quick clothing adjustment stop by Piggott Creek bridge
[Tim Penney photo]
Tim Penney photo: Rudy takes a break alongside Piggott Creek on the way up to Helen Mackanzie Lake
Rudy takes a break alongside Piggott Creek on the way up to Helen Mackanzie Lake
[Tim Penney photo]

Tim Penney photo: Terry contemplating the steep climb ahead
Terry contemplating the steep climb ahead
[Tim Penney photo]
Tim Penney photo: Looking up to the summit of Mount Allan Brooks
Looking up to the summit of Mount Allan Brooks
[Tim Penney photo]

Tim Penney photo: Geoff working his way up one of the many steep sections
Geoff working his way up one of the many steep sections
[Tim Penney photo]
Tim Penney photo: View point looking down to Helen Mackenzie Lake
View point looking down to Helen Mackenzie Lake
[Tim Penney photo]

Tim Penney photo: The angle of the climb
The angle of the climb
[Tim Penney photo]
Tim Penney photo: Lunch break at the summit
Lunch break at the summit
[Tim Penney photo]


Report contributors: Tim P,

Participant list: Geoff B, Terry F, Rudolph K G, Susan H, Tim P, Otto W,

(G) = public guest     (L) = lapsed member

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