[MCR] Purcells, Dogtooth Range

Purcell Mountains / Dogtooth Range Traverse

 

19 -22 September 2015

 

Route is near Golden, BC.

 

NTS Map 82N06 Blaeberry

 

Our route began at Quartz Lake Trail and traversed the range through Cirque, Lang, & Gorman headwaters to the Holt Creek Drainage.  Access was via Quartz Lake Forest Service Road which begins off TransCanada, 40km west of Golden BC. Watch for the trailhead at the 5km mark on the road, small parking area at bridge. Quartz is an active logging road at the moment, so radio callouts are strongly recommended during road travel.  A high clearance vehicle was used but 4- wheel-drive was not necessary at the time. Our exit was via helicopter in the alpine zone in Holt Creek Drainage. An alternate exit was planned via Gorman Lake Trail down to Gorman Lake Forest Service Road.

 

Over the course of the trip the temperatures ranged from -4 to +15. During the first 2 days of our trip the Purcells received a considerable amount of rain that was ongoing for a 36 hour period, with a total of 30mm of precipitation. The freezing level was around the 2200m mark, making travel on frozen north slopes difficult. Southern slopes, were warmer and became muddy mid-day. We were surprised to see several rockfall occurrences, large and small, within all drainages on all aspects. As well, there was evidence of a snow avalanche on a north east facing slope, where snow had been previously loaded. Examples of frost heaving were evident in high meadows as well as frozen ground, making for slower travel. All these factors contributed to difficult and hazardous travel conditions throughout the entire Dogtooth Range.

 

Trip Advice

 

The Dogtooth Range Traverse is a beautiful trip with plenty of alpine camping opportunities.  The route passes by many pristine lakes, tarns waterfalls and high alpine passes.

 

This is an advanced trip for experienced hikers due to long stretches of difficult terrain, challenging route finding and exposure to weather. Solid footwear, a hiking pole, and quality raingear is highly recommended. 

 

The Dogtooth Range in September offers a broad spectrum of weather requiring careful preparation in order to stay comfortable and safe.  Predominant September weather patterns are rain and snow, hence travellers should be prepared with equipment and clothing in anticipation of winter and wet conditions.  Low valley fog creates limited visibility making navigation that much more difficult. 

 

This trip can be done in either direction with multiple variations through different drainages and cols.  A traverse finishing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is another great option. (Take note the gondola is closed during the week if you wish to use this service).

 

Highlights included wildlife sightings such as marmots and various tracks. There were great views of Quartz and Gorman Lakes from above.

 

Happy Trails,

CMSG Hiking Guide Exam Candidates

_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The 
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in 
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable 
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information 
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions 
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from 
this list.