Ashlu Mountain

Ashlu Mountain is a 2,561-metre (8,402-foot) pyramidic mountain summit located in the Pacific Ranges in the Coast Mountains of southwestern British Columbia, Canada known for its glaciation and climbing routes. It is situated 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Squamish, in the Elaho-Jervis Divide, where it is the tallest peak in that subrange. Its nearest higher peaks are Mount Tantalus in the Tantalus Range, 33 km (20 mi) to the southeast, and its line parent, Mount Tinniswood, 33.5 km (21 mi) to the northwest at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet.

Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into its namesake Ashlu Creek in the west and the Elaho River in the east. Both of which are tributaries of the Squamish River.

Climate
The mountains surrounding Ashlu Creek, including Ashlu Mountain, are characterized by their alpine terrain and major icefields. The region is subject to average snowfalls around 16 m (52.5 ft) per year which has fed major glaciation at high elevations. Snow can persist in the Ashlu valley at 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation in April.

The Coast Mountains receive some of the highest precipitation in North America, with over 4 m (13 ft) per year on their western slopes. Two-thirds of precipitation falls between November and April. Average alpine temperatures in the Coast Mountains average -10 C (-14 F) in the winter.

Climbing routes
Ashlu Mountain is typically accessed from the Ashlu valley to the southwest via trails from Shortcut Creek off of Ashlu Main logging road, however vehicle access to this trailhead is no longer possible due to bridge washouts. The easiest route to the summit is considered a moderate scramble with some exposure and loose rock. However, there are multiple known climbing routes including:


 * East Ridge (Class 2-3)
 * West Ridge (Class 3)
 * South Face (Class 5.8 - 5.9)
 * Southest Buttress (Class 5.10)