Buchanan Ridge East Peak

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Buchanan Ridge East Peak
  • Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
  • Activity: Scrambling
  • Height: 2,436 m (7,993 ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 1,030 m (3,379 ft)
  • Distance: 7.0 km / Loop (4.3 mi)
  • Avg Steepness: 16.4°
  • Estimated Time: 4-6 hrs
  • Technicality: Intermediate
  • Fitness Level: Moderate
My tradition continues. Just like the last two years, my year was started scrambling in Waterton. I was hoping to do a peak along Red Rock Parkway, but I didn't know there is a winter gate... So Buchanan Ridge was something came into my eyes while I was driving and trying to find a peak to go.

I parked at Lineham parking lot and took a gully which I could see from the road (page 2). Originally I aimed for a high peak at GR815376 and possibly the highest point at GR809367, but I wasn't sure if I am able to do so. Certainly I could see there was a potential difficulty after col.

Ascent:
Route up to the col was pretty much easy scramble, however I need to say this route can be avalanche terrain if there is enough snow, but I haven't seen much snow around this time here. For sure how it has been in south this year, I didn't even need snowshoes.

Ridge:
At the col, it was apparent the potential difficulty I saw from bottom was far steeper than how it appeared (page 5), and I was force to go to NE instead. NE ridge from the col was very easy and safe ridge walk all the way to the highest point on north side of this ridge and happens to be right at NE end of Buchanan Ridge.

Descent:
Immediately after the peak, I got off the ridge and traversed to west to the road.

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My ascent route gully.

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Ruby Ridge. Actually it was last year's New Year day that I did Ruby.

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I suspect brutal wind around Christmas time carried small pieces of rocks on top of snow. I am glad I wasn't here.

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As I got closer to the iffy I saw earlier. Now it's definitive.

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The other side of ridge is opposite. Nice and easy ridge walk.

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Look sun was still up. Summer is coming!

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Interesting clouds forming up farther down south.

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The iffy, GR815376 from farther. Looks like it get even steeper near the ridge top.

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Going home for supper.


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