Bridge Too Far

Image is aerial shot of the Bridge Too Far ice climb, marked with avalanche terrain in red

Bridge Too Far

160m WI 4+

ATES 3 (Complex)

Bridge Too Far is a climb in the Mt Kidd Climbing area. It is harder to see from a distance than some of the other Mt Kidd climbs, as is the avalanche hazard from above. Many people will just climb the first crux pitch, but there are a few lower angled pitches that continue above and place the climber in terrain in and under avalanche terrain. Snow amounts above the climb vary, but once at threshold this climb is in Class 3 avalanche terrain.

Popularity

  • 30 people completed the survey
  • 87% climbed it 1-5 times
  • 10% climbed it 6-10 times
  • 3% climbed it over 10 times

Time of year and day for all Mt Kidd climbs

  • The most common time for ascents and witnessing avalanche debris was February- April. December to January was the second most common time and October to November was least common
  • 64% of avalanches witnessed occurred between 6:00am-12:00pm
  • 43% of avalanches witnessed occurred between 12:00pm-18:00pm
  • 7% of avalanches witnessed occurred between 1:00- 6:00am.

Avalanche start zones for all Mt Kidd climbs

  • 83% believe the observed avalanche started well above the climb
  • 11% believe the observed avalanche started right above the climb
  • 5% were unsure where the observed avalanche started

Avalanche frequency

  • 41% had seen avalanche debris between pitches
  • 26% had seen avalanche debris at the base of the climb
  • 13% had seen avalanche debris above the top pitch
  • 45% had never seen avalanche debris on the climb

Notes on avalanche debris

  • Rock falls have been reported between the two main pitches, immediately before the longest pitch.
  • Debris has reported both pitches and to the base of the climb.

Reported avalanches and incidents

  • In January 2023, a 30 cm thick wind slab was observed on a lee slope. It was 10 m wide and ran for 50 m, terminating on the large slope between upper and lower pitches. This avalanche may have occurred in December 2022.
  • In December 2022, an 80 cm thick deep persistent slab avalanche was reported below pitch 3 of the climb. Debris went 100-150 m and reached the top of pitch two.
  • In January 2022, an avalanche was reported above the third pitch. It is unclear how far that avalanche ran.
  • A size 1.5-2 wind slab avalanche was reported below Bridge Too Far. There was a low snowpack, but rapid loading into gullies at the time. It was unclear where the avalanche started due to limited visibility.
  • Avalanches sized 1-2 have been reported between the first and second pitches. Wet slabs and wind slabs are often reported, as well as shooting cracks and other signs of instability.
  • Avalanches large enough to run to the base of the climb have been reported.
  • Large, solar triggered avalanches have been reported above this climb and debris has been reported in spring.
  • The large ledge/slope below the final pitch has been reported to have avalanches, with the potential to produce a large avalanche in the right conditions.

Contributing factors for all Mt Kidd climbs

  • 88% were attributed to new snow amounts
  • 40% were attributed to warming and solar radiation
  • 24% were attributed to wind
  • 10% were attributed to a cornice or human/animal trigger
  • 7% were attributed to a known reactive layer

Additional notes from the community

Bridge Too Far is very rockfall prone on warmer or sunny days.