Mount Saskatchewan (Yukon)

For the peak by this name in Banff National Park, see Mount Saskatchewan (Alberta).
Mount Saskatchewan
Highest point
Elevation 3,500 m (11,500 ft) [1]
Prominence 600 m (2,000 ft) [1]
Coordinates 60°57′28″N 140°51′02″W / 60.95778°N 140.85056°W / 60.95778; -140.85056Coordinates: 60°57′28″N 140°51′02″W / 60.95778°N 140.85056°W / 60.95778; -140.85056 [1]
Geography
Location Yukon, Canada
Parent range Saint Elias Mountains
Topo map NTS 115C/15
Climbing
First ascent Unclimbed as of June 2012
Easiest route rock/glacier/snow/ice climb

Mount Saskatchewan (3,500 metres (11,500 ft)) is a mountain located in the extreme southwestern corner of Yukon in Kluane National Park and Reserve. The peak was named in 1967 for the province of Saskatchewan to mark Canada's centennial.[2] As of 2012, the mountain is the only peak named after a Canadian province or territory – there are 11 others in the Yukon's Centennial Range – that remains unclimbed.[3]

Attempted ascents

The first attempt to climb the mountain was made in 1967 as part of the centennial celebrations. A team from Saskatchewan made a second attempt in May 2005 to celebrate the centennial of the province. However, warmer than usual weather conditions and difficulties in finding a relatively safe route rebuffed the attempt, which was made after a 35-km glacial approach.[2] A third unsuccessful attempt was made in 2007.[3]

In 2012, a team from Saskatchewan composed of Steve Whittington, Jeff Dmytrowich, Sam Unger and Wren Rabut attempted to climb the peak, with the same base camp as was used in 1967. Their attempt commenced on May 18,[3][4] but the group was forced to turn back after climbing to about 3,200 metres (10,500 ft). Numerous crevasse falls and weather conditions hampered the group's efforts to reach the summit.[5][6]

In early spring 2013 the Swedish team of Benny Elofsson, Joel Johansson and Axel Palmcrantz tried to climb Mt. Saskatchewan from north via Chitina Glacier. They did not find a secure route and had to abandon their climb of the mountain. Two other, presumaby unclimbed peaks nearby were summited instead.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Mount Saskatchewan". Bivouac.com. Retrieved 2012-06-23.
  2. 1 2 "Attempt on Mount Saskatchewan falls short". CBC News. May 26, 2005. Retrieved 2012-04-12.
  3. 1 2 3 Hutchinson, Cam (April 9, 2012). "Climbers to take on Mount Saskatchewan". Saskatoon Express (Dale Brin). pp. 1–3. Retrieved 2012-04-12.
  4. ↑ "Saskatchewan climbers to attempt treacherous Yukon peak". CBC News. May 7, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
  5. ↑ "Mount Saskatchewan climb stalls, team to return". CBC News. May 30, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
  6. ↑ "Crevasse falls stalled Mt. Saskatchewan climb". CBC News. June 2, 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-23.
  7. ↑ http://expeditionyukon.wordpress.com


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