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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
10-Nov-2018
Activity:
Trail hike
Trip name:
Powderface Ridge 515344
Coordinator:
Ron
Report:

We were having second thoughts when we made the turn south from Highway 8 towards Bragg Creek as it started snowing heavily, but it was just a small intense squall that tapered off by the time we drove past the hamlet and we headed west on Hwy 66 on bare pavement. The lower part of the trail was dry and it was only when we got higher up that there was snow on the trail:




light snow on the Powderface trail

It was a little deeper on the treed traverse below the ridge line with occasional icy patches which led a couple of us to don microspikes. Areas exposed to the sun had melted off:



Snow along shady sections

At the ridgetop the western slopes were bare of snow and we had excellent views of the peaks to the west.



Great views from Powderface Ridge - Jenny, Gordon, Barb

There was a breeze that made it rather cool (-7C by a mini-thermometer) but down jackets, some sheltering trees and warmth when the sun was shining made for an acceptable lunch break. With the low snow coverage and light winds on the ridge we decided to do the loop along the ridge south.



Heading south along Powderface Ridge in a chilly wind

There was a little more snow in the trees but by keeping an eye on slippery rocks it was easy going before we came to the cairns and navigated down the steep slopes back to the trail. The return was straightforward although an icy patch claimed one victim who went for a slide. At the bottom it was a balmy +2C.

Thanks to Barb, Gordon and Jenny for joining me for excellent company and a very pleasant fall day in the mountains. Ron C/S/P