Expedition Report
This was a major caving and exploration project in the Canadian Rockies, focusing on remote karst regions in British Columbia and Alberta. Organized by the Imperial College Caving Club (ICCC), the expedition aimed to survey and explore previously uncharted cave systems, contributing to speleological knowledge and mapping efforts.
The team investigated several key areas, including Goat Valley, Small River, and the Fang Cave region. In Goat Valley, the group explored and surveyed caves such as Chartreuse Pot (88m deep) and The Pit (77m deep), overcoming icy shafts, constricted passages, and challenging conditions. Despite arduous bushwhacking and unpredictable weather, they successfully extended passages and documented significant geological features, including vadose canyons and ice formations.
At Small River, the expedition focused on the Far Karst area and the Fl Resurgence cave. Using innovative techniques like underwater sump diving and systematic digs, the team pushed several leads, discovering new stream passages and vertical rifts. Surveys revealed complex hydrological systems, while observations of springs and glacial moraines enriched understanding of karst development in alpine environments.
The Fang Cave section, located in the McGregor Range, involved exploration of the prominent limestone fang and associated caves. Activities included surveying Tooth Decave and attempting extensions in Fang Cave, though high water levels limited progress. The team also conducted geological reconnaissance of surrounding ridges, noting vertically bedded limestone and alpine karst features.
Throughout the expedition, participants faced logistical challenges, harsh weather, and wildlife encounters, including grizzly bears. Despite setbacks, the venture achieved its scientific objectives, producing detailed cave maps and geological data for the British Columbia Cave Research Association (BCRA). The expedition exemplified the blend of adventure and research central to Imperial College’s exploration ethos, advancing speleological knowledge in one of North America’s most rugged terrains.