Daly NE2
February 8, 2014
2930m
Yoho / Waputik Icefield, AB/BC
There’re three peaks on the continental divide between Mt. Balfour and Mt. Daly on the Waputik Icefield. One of them is Lilliput Mountain and the other two are unnamed. “Daly NE2” is the southernmost one and locates at about 2 km northeast of Mount Daly. Often I’m not very interested in unnamed peak but there’re always exceptions. This peak has about 120 m prominence and is slightly higher, or at the same height as Lilliput Mountain. From Scott Duncan Hut, it makes a straightforward ascent with round trip of 1.5-2 hours.
Daly NE2 ascent route from Scott Duncan Hut
The primary objective of this trip was Mount Balfour. We did actually get Balfour so all of the approach and return will be covered in Balfour’s trip report. Daly NE2 was just a short diversion in Day 1. Ben and Eric weren’t interested in so I went up it on my own.
The first thing to do was skiing down a narrow and icy ramp. This ramp provides the access of Scott Duncan Hut from Waputik Icefield. It looked to be pretty steep from far away but it wasn’t the case. There wasn’t too much of elevation loss and trail-breaking was minimal and it didn’t take me long before moving uphill again. For Daly NE2, both LHS ridge or the RHS ridge would work. However, it appeared there’s a short rock band to scramble through near the summit and it looked easier on the right side so I picked the right skyline ridge. The ridge itself was miserable scree bashing (on ski boots), and it was very foreshortened. But the views were all worth the effort.
This is Daly NE2 viewing from Waputik Icefield just below Scott Duncan Hut. The ridge is foreshortened and longer than you’d expect.
Cooling looking Lake Louise’s giants from Daly/Daly NE2 col.
The impressive Mount Daly. This side looks more like an alpine snow/ice climb right now. Chic’s book describes it as a ski ascent form here.
Beth Glacier provides an alternate exit if you don’t mind more glacier travel and more avi terrain. It’s described in Chic’s book as well.
Beth Glacier from the summit
Waputik Icefield from the summit. Mt. Balfour is the highest one.
A closer look at Mt. Balfour
Lilliput Mountain
Mt. Gordon
Crowfoot Mountain
Mt. Hector
Cathedral Mountain
Mt. Stephen
Willingdon, Crown, South Tower
Douglas and St. Bride
On the descent I retraced my steps back to Daly/Daly NE2 col, and then ski’d back to the Hut. Overall it turned out better than my expectation and I’d recommend Daly NE2 if you have extra time to kill in this area while looking for some variation.
Steven's Peak-bagging Journey 