Mountaineering is possibly the most magnificent sport yet invented by man, but is known to be dangerous. Even today, British Columbia, the most western province of Canada, is still a wilderness of mountains, valleys, glaciers, forest and plateau. The West Kootenay has dense bush, glaciers and heavy snow packs. As in all aspects of life, the dangers are bad conditions, bad luck and bad judgment.
Examples are:
Bad conditions – rock fall zones, avalanche conditions, prolonged storms, slippery rock (wet lichens), stream crossings
Bad luck – isolated rock fall, sudden storms, lightning
Four combinations are possible:
1. Good conditions, good luck
2. Good conditions, bad luck
3. Bad conditions, good luck
4. Bad conditions, bad luck.
Judgement – These four are combined with good judgment and bad judgment (which includes exceeding one’s abilities). Good judgment will generally win (e.g., wearing a helmet, or using a rope on glaciers), but the last combination with bad judgment often produces tragedy.
A guidebook can only show previous experience and give advice, but cannot be responsible for events, bad judgment, conditions and luck. The climber must judge for himself/herself and be responsible.
I have done my best to collect information and present it to readers as accurately as possible. I encourage everyone to buy the Canadian and USGS topographical maps suggested for each hike and carry a compass – GPS units run out of power. Roads in the West Kootenay change all the time. Many of the hikes and climbs are in isolated wilderness. Some hikes and climbs are only for the experienced and tough. Some are very strenuous and challenging – maybe too challenging for some.
I am primarily a compiler and organizer of information. I have not driven all the roads and checked every mileage. I have not done all the hikes and climbs included in this e-book. And because my original intent was to include absolutely every hike and climb possible, I have relied heavily on the writing of others. Any information may be incorrect or outdated.
I thus take no responsibility for the information presented. For those who somehow get lost, stranded or have to spend an extra night in the mountains and be rescued, or die, all I can say is I have done my best. The rest is up to you, so don’t blame me or this e-book for your mistakes, lack of attentiveness or preparedness, and yes, in some cases, for your stupidity.
Before doing any hike, always stop at the nearest Forest Service or Park headquarters and get the latest information on the road, trail, water, flood or weather conditions and forecast. Use other books and the vast amount of information available on the internet to flesh out your information sources. Always carry a paper 1:50,000 topographical map, a compass and constantly orientate yourself to your terrain.
Also, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Ron Perrier