Bear Spirit

An aerial annotated photo shows avalanche terrain highlighted in red.

Bear Spirit

WI 4

ATES 1 (Simple)

Bear Spirit is a popular climb due to its easy access to top roping. It also features options for both pillars and mixed climbs. The approach is a bit tricky as an ice step is required to reach the main crag.

Popularity

41 people completed the survey

  • 41% climbed Bear Spirit 1-5 times
  • 59% climbed it over 6 times

Avalanche Frequency

  • 46% have seen debris on the climb or the approach
  • 54% have not seen any avalanche debris

Runout Debris

  • 100% of the debris was seen on the approach
  • 16% saw debris at the base of the climb or lower

Notes on Avalanche Debris

  • Numerous individuals reported debris on the avalanche path delineated on the above map, noting debris that ran from 20 m to 150 m across the approach trail and into the creek. This suggests that avalanches up to size 2 occurred along this path.  
  • The slope before the awkward step up into the forest has had avalanche debris that reached the trail. It seemed like enough to knock a person over, but probably not bury them.
  • Wet debris 1-1.5 m deep from a full path avalanche was reported by parties walking to the crag. The debris ran all the way down into the creek.
  • Respondents reported seeing debris from small slides on the approach, likely from size 1 avalanches.
  • Wet debris from size 1 avalanches was reported coming through the trees on the east side and taking out unsecured items such as backpacks.

Contributing Factors

Reported Avalanches and Incidents

  • Natural avalanches were observed reaching the constriction/step area from slopes above, just before the second fixed line into the trees.  
  • Loose wet avalanches have been observed on the creek sidewalls on the approach and the woods to looker’s right of the climb.
  • Loose wet avalanches have been reported during periods of warming and in the spring on the slopes above the approach near the creek.

Summary

Bear Spirit has one avalanche path that may intersect the approach trail beside the creek, but the exposure time is brief if travelling quickly. In general, this area is a suitable option on high hazard days.