Try Juniperus communis 'Suecica'.

Resin

Not likely to appreciate the shade, columnar forms of common juniper tend to fall open with age as it is.

Although it does best in full sun, Juniperus communis is more tolerant of shade than most other junipers; in the wild, it often grows as an understorey shrub beneath pines.

Resin

Pfitzers also persist rather well when overtopped and shaded by taller plants - and likewise become gaunt, as would common junipers creeping over the forest floor. That's not the same as a columnar form holding a tight, erect shape "in a northwest corner."

"become gaunt, as would common junipers creeping over the forest floor. That's not the same as a columnar form holding a tight, erect shape "in a northwest corner"

Wild understorey J. communis are frequently fastigiate, and not gaunt or sparse - I've seen plenty.

Resin

Not the same as light coming from one side, as in a "corner." Presumed light issue only part of picture anyway, still have the problem of columnar common junipers splaying open regardless of exposure. Fastigiate arborvitaes, pines and yews also apt to fall apart in snow country. Some specimens fail, others do not. However, exclamatory visual effect produced by cigarlike growth habits not the best for corners anyway, serving to emphasis the corner rather than soften it. Some kind of hardy evergreen bush with a natural, more relaxed branching pattern would be a better choice.

thank you all for your recommendations. i can see now that a columnar tree wouldnt be the best selection for my site. i will be looking for a fuller tree.

If arborvitaes suitable many kinds with comparatively restrained, somewhat broadly pyramidal habits, more compact than typical plant available. If going into corner completely shaded from one side will have same problem of being thin or even bald on back side, but might look fine from the front. Start by looking for ones like 'Wareana' and 'Techny'. Large eventually, but not right away.