Click to hear me sing
Mt. Niblock
Elevation:
Height Gain:
Location:
9,764 ft (2976M)
3,937 feet (1200M)
Lake Louise
Note for 11 Mar 00: I went with Rob Davidson, Derek Anderson, Tim Helmer and Henry Henault. We started around 1000 with temperatures around -5°C (23°F). The winds were very strong once we broke tree line, and wind slabs were very thick. Due to avalanche conditions, we turned back at the glacier, and on the way back down, I set off a slab avalanche of 15' x 15' by 12" thick. Nobody was hurt.

Note for 13 Apr 02: I went with Alan Kane and Sim Galloway. We started around 0917 with temperatures around 0°C (32°F). It was raining and snowing all day with very limited visability. Very gusty winds. Heavy but consistent powder conditions.

  Date Ascent Time Descent Time
1st Time 11 Mar 00 incomplete N/A
2nd Time 13 Apr 02 4:05 1:50

The summits book says to park at the Lake O'Hara parking lot at Kicking Horse Pass. We stopped by the warden's office, and he advised us that CP Rail keeps a parking lot plowed about a mile east of the Alberta/BC border on Highway 1. It would save us a couple kilometers of approach trail if we parked there. From the CP Rail parking lot (on the north side of the road), ski under the highway and through a field. When you find the drainage creek, start skiing up the creek. The creek might not be obvious at first, but you'll figure it out. Just head toward the valley to the right of Niblock. After a short distance, you'll come out of the forest and cross Highway 1A. The "Great Divide" sign should be to your west by about 30 yards. Cross the street and continue going up the creek. This first picture was taken once the trees were starting to thin out.



Once you get out of the trees, part of Niblock will be on your left. Stay on the Niblock side of the gully. Ascend the moraines as you contour left into the upper slopes.



As you reach the upper bowl, you will see a glacier on the right side under Mt. Whyte. Head toward the glacier, but just cut across the slopes until you eventually make your way to the col.

Due to avalanche conditions on our first attempt, we decided to turn back just before the glacier. Our concern about avalanches proved correct. I actually set one off on the way back down.