Mt. Engadine - South Ridge, solo ski/scramble attempt

Mt. Engadine from the road.
South Ridge is the long ridge on the right side.

Another view to the South Ridge. 
Mt. Engadine summit is the pointy highpoint on left. 

Got out for a wonderful solo ski day on Sunday April 10. The weather had cooled off quite a bit, with some good snow pack stability, so I figured a solo ski up a good sized mountain was in order. Poking around maps and books a bit, I thought the South Ridge of Mt. Engadine would be reasonable route for winter conditions, cold temperatures, and a forecast with cloud cover in the afternoon. 

Approach trail well packed.

Started slog to South Ridge via old avi debris.

Views open up towards Mt. Birdwood and Mt. Smuts.

Used the well packed "Rummel Ridge" trail to gain access to the creek south of Mt. Engadine. Once at the end of the creek, headed up old avalanche debris, but moved to south slope in the trees. This slope was super hard, sun affected, but solid crust. Used crampons to make the long South Ridge. Once on the South Ridge proper, the ridge was fairly exposed with many steep rock steps and many scary cornices. Lots of fun snow climbing with stable conditions. 

Nearing the South Ridge, fun rock scramble. 

The ridge becomes snowy.

View to the "Tower".

View to "Rummel Ridge". Right and centre of photo.

Here comes the snow.

Lots of interesting and fun cornices.

I can finally see the summit.

Summit in the distance.

Lots of great snow features.

Nearing the summit, maybe 200 horizontal and 150 vertical metres away, there was a sharp and dramatic drop in the South Ridge. The right side (east side) was a near vertical drop, super loose rock, and no sane way to descent. The left side (west side) wasn't much better, but had the extra feature of peddles on steep slab. I looked at a few options but decided to bail. Really enjoyed the day and didn't want to risk something serious. Turned back. Did find a ridge sections where I stayed above the cornice line, easier travel then my up hill line. Great day out. 

 

Turnaround point. 

View to summit.