Hero's Knob Snowshoeing - OT4

""This unofficially-named eastern outlier of Mount Smith-Dorrien
is most often associated with a popular backcountry ski tour known as Sweet Sixteen,"" - Sonny Bou

**Bear spray, Snowshoes and Microspikes are mandatory!**

Between Saturday and Sunday there is about 25cm of snowfall in the forecast. But Monday seems to be somewhat clear so, let's go and see if we can bag this beautiful summit.

There might be a short creek crossing but it isn't big or deep enough to cause any concern. Please be prepared for a difficult winter hike/snowshoeing.

As per usual, this event is weather dependent. Which means if the weather forecasts becomes unfriendly, event will be cancelled or changed.

Trail Description:

1. https://sonnybou.ca/ssbou2023/heroknob.html

Stats:
Difficulty: OT4
Cumulative Elevation: ~800
Distance: ~10km
Time: 6-8hours + Driving + lunch
Pace: Moderate. The aim is to maintain at least a 2.5km/hr speed.

BE READY for some hard work.

Proposed Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/uploaded-route-7d6bafd?u=m&sh=vmrvmg

Weather:

1. https://www.windy.com/50.733/-115.261?waves,50.723,-115.266,14
2. https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/50.733N-115.262E2422_America%2FEdmonton?day=6

Meeting/Carpooling Details:
Time: 6:47am
Dalhousie Park & Ride (opposite of the shopping mall parking)-
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sFEkyV2qJPiN4WLy6
Trailhead:
Time: 8:30am approximately!
Trailhead Direction:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZMbgZyd1XQrELUZaA

Some Ground Rules:

1. Must remain with the group and be willing to turn back with the group
2. Must participate is route finding when necessary. MUST raise concerns if any
3. Absolutely no complaining. Prepare to work hard
4. We are out for the day. Don't rush the group because you have a birthday party to attend to in the evening or some other crap
5. No guests and kids
6. Be BEAR SMART
7. Leave no trace

Required gear:
- Microspikes (similar to Hillsound or Kahtoola trail crampons)
- Bear Spray
- Snowshoes
- headlamps
- Enough warm layers
- hiking boots, water (at least 2L), lunch / snacks, technical clothing (no cotton or jeans), hat/gloves for cold weather and wind
- first aid kit
- electronic or paper maps
- NO bear bells
Suggested gear:
- rain coat/windbreakers, scrambling gloves
- bug spray, tick tweezers
- gaiters
- light pad to sit on, hiking poles
- sunscreen, sunglasses, toilet kit
- SOS sending device (Garmin, SPOT etc.)

Waitlist and RSVP rules:
It is NOT an inclusive event due to it's nature and safety. If I don't know you, then you must answer the questions. Preference will be given to those who I know is a good fit for the event as well as the group. I reserve the right deny anyone access to this event if necessary. I will make additional inquiries if I am not sure about your fitness or experience.

WAIVER:
You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead.
DISCLAIMER:
You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume ALL responsibility for your own safety and well-being. ALL participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
(Photo Credit: Sonny Bou)
(This event post is inspired by many organizers I have hiked with in this club - Mark & Terri, Lisa W, Atash, Wesley Cook, Mark S, Mark K, Michael K)