Mount Byng

LocationAlberta, CanadaParent rangeBlue Range^[2]
Canadian RockiesTopo mapNTS 82J13 Mount Assiniboine^[3]GeologyAge of rockCambrianType of rockSedimentary rockClimbingFirst ascent1934, H.S. Crosby, Rudolph Aemmer^[4]Easiest routeScrambling

Mount Byng is a 2,965-metre (9,728-foot) mountain summit located in the upper Spray River Valley of southern Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada.^[5] It is the second-highest point in the Blue Range.^[1] Mount Byng's nearest higher peak is Mount Alcantara, 6.5 km (4.0 mi) to the west-southwest.^[2] The mighty Mount Assiniboine is situated 10.0 km (6.2 mi) to the northwest of Byng.^[3]

History

Mount Byng was named in 1918 for Julian Byng, 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy, a British Field Marshal who served during the First World War where he commanded the Canadian Corps, and later served as Governor General of Canada.^[6]

The mountain's name was made official in 1928 by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.^[3]

The first ascent was made in 1934 by H.S. Crosby, with guide Rudolph Aemmer.^[4]

Geology

Mount Byng is composed of sedimentary rock laid down during the Precambrian to Jurassic periods and was later pushed east and over the top of younger rock during the Laramide orogeny.^[7]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Byng is located in a subarctic climate with cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.^[8] Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. In terms of favorable weather, June through September are the best months to climb. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into Owl Creek and Currie Creek, which empty into the Spray Lakes Reservoir.

See also

• Geography of Alberta

References

External links

• National Park Service web site: Banff National Park