Kokanee Glacier Traverse

Version 1, changed by admin. 08/07/2007. Show version history

Location: Helicopter. Or long 20km+ skin up logging roads.
Time: 3+ Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 30 - 40
Elevation_Gain: 2000+ feet/day
Map: 82F/11 82F/14
Avalanche: Moderate - High

The Kokanne Park has been a popular destination for winter ski tourers for as many years as skiing has been popular in the Kootenays. Start from Silver Spray Cabin by traversing low around the ridges on the south connecting to the lakes all the way to the Woodbury Cabin in the upper end of the Wolf Cascade at the bottom of a small avalanche path of the southern ridge of Moonlight Peak (910 163). Alternatively the High Traverse may be taken in good snow conditions especially the pass just below Moonlight Peak directly north of the hut. The Woodbury Cabin has in the past been hit by an avalanche and is not reccommended by BC Parks as overnight winter accommodation.

Gain the Woodbury Glacier by a steep gully on its northern side, traverse across the lower bench of the glacier and climb the steep ridge on the eastern side of the glacier. The Pass you are looking for is a tiny notch on the ridge at (913 144). Cliffs line the eastern side of the ridge except at this notch so if you hit the wrong one try the next one. Quickly traverse the avalanche slopes on the south side of Glacier View Peak and climb over the Kane Icefield heading for the highest point on the icefield. Ensure that you hit the pass just south of Kane Peak and carefully pick a line down this steep bowl. Coffee Pass is a mess of ridges that is most easily avoided by traversing lower than you would want toward Joker Lakes.

Alternatively descend down into the Woodbury drainage and ascend steep trees to Grey Eagle, and Lendrum Lake. From here gain the Humpback ridge lower down and descend into Coffee Creek. Follow the Coffee Creek drainage up to Coffee Pass.

Start climbing straight up from Coffee Pass and traverse on the bench at the top of the glacier avoiding the steep icy slopes lower down. Alternatively traverse below the glacier and gain the Battleship later. Ski the Battleship run to the Slocan Chief Cabin, relax and enjoy this famous view. The route out is a long traverse through Kokanee Pass following the summer trail. Alternatively follow the creek drainage and hit the end of Gibson Lake and the road which must be then descended to meet your vehicle somewhere on the Kokanee Creek Road.