Trying to find something to do in the July heat we decided we’d see if anything was open in Ouray even though it was a little early in the season. We received reports that there were a few canyons that would be OK, although water levels were quite high. I had done this canyon last year at the rendezvous when the water was probably half or less than what we saw today and it was a completely different canyon this time around.
The approach hikes are a little different from what you see in southern utah canyons
Well at least it wasn’t hot, that is what we wanted
At this point our group split and took an early exit since half of them were tired.
My buddy made it safely down this drop, but the anchor decided to fail on me while I was on rappel. Fortunately it is a short drop and I was at least halfway down before the webbing just slipped off the log and down I went. I don’t even remember falling, I had stopped for a second to get stable since it was slightly undercut and VERY slippery and then I started moving only I still had my brake on and the next thing I know I’m on the ground. My first thought was how did I get down, I don’t remember letting go of the brake? Then I decided to see if I could move so I could get out of the water pelting me in the face. I got up and then the pain hit, it wasn’t a sharp pain like something was broken, but calling it a dull ache doesn’t do it justice. Fortunately I was able to move slowly and we were able to finish the canyon under our own power.
This rappel was next and was just around the corner from the failed anchor. It’s a little nerve racking to get on a 170′ rappel right after your last one fails.
I didn’t take any pictures after this one since it was near the end and I was in a lot of pain from the anchor failure and was focused mainly on getting out. The upper two sections are my favorite of the 3, but Lower Oak still has some pretty scenery and is not to be missed if you have the time. Besides you’re already there so either you descend the canyon or you hike up and then out. I know what my choice will be every time.
Tom Collins
I haven’t done much in Ouray, and I agree in principle, but first you use what you got (and most of what I got is the skinny stuff). Also Oak creek doesn’t have as many sharp spots as some of the others. The only one I know of that can really be a problem is the big one in lower oak and even there if you’re careful about how you set it up you can avoid the sharp pointys.
ratagonia
I was as much reminding the general public as anything else.
Tom
Ram
With the season about here for Ouray, discussing this spot, the one in Cascade and in general, seems wise….The spot that chews rope at the 170 foot rap in Lower Oak is not super obvious. I ran my hand over the 2 foot long ridge and it did not feel especially sharp. It does not look obvious as a danger,at least to me. Placing the rope right of the ridge LUC is easy and works. But the larger lesson to consider is that novices and those that forget will often try moving laterally to avoid a heavy shower, while on rappel. This side to side movement saws the rope at these type of places and is to be avoided. It is enough that the water pounding on you, can lead someone to bounce a bit on rap, sawing in another way. A reminder to stay on fall line and keep it smooth. Shift the rub spot often, inspect the rope often and stay alert. What fun.
ratagonia
Perhaps I should also point out that the sharp rock of the Ouray area calls for taking bigger, sturdier ropes, rather than the skinny stuff we use here on the Colorado Plateau (usually soft) sandstone canyons.
Tom
Carlos O
Youtube Link to the video of this Trip.
Ram
Man that is a lot of water. Must have been a tad nerve wracking going over into some of those two stage raps, sight unseen. Also note some of the spots at the 3 minute part? That is the Middle section? Looks like higher water give a spot behind the falls. You run out of battery before the big drop?
One thing I recall….in C canyons, reminding myself to relax. Keep concentration on the business at hand, while getting absolutely pummeled by water. Quite distracting. Looking down to create a pocket to breath in too. Oh what a blast! A serious blast, but a blast nevertheless.
Carlos O
Ram, you are right! It was a lot of water, indeed. The video is only from the Upper and Middle sections, since one of the other guys and I decided to abort the mission at the end of the middle section and hike down to the car. Tom, on the other hand, decided to continue and finish the lower section, reason why you don’t see any footage of the big rappel.
You are right about the relaxing advise. I am used to rappelling using the figure 8 and with so much water, a thin rope and new neoprene gloves, I sadly realized I didn’t have enough grip on the rope to slow down my fall. I had a couple of scary moments that day (that is why you will notice I used a piranha the following day on my Pryor creek video). It was a lot to handle with the water, the cold, the ROAR, the pressure and not being able to control my descending speed as I would have wanted. hahaha. Lesson learned I guess!!
ratagonia
Scary movie. Not a good place to figure that out.
Tom
Carlos O
I know!!!! I did have some scary moments because I literally fell under the pressure of one of the big waterfalls. I’m grateful it did not have any big consequences.
Ram
Doing the Full Oak is an absolute favorite. A full meal deal. The full enchilada. Super size me baby!! Whole ball of wax etc…..What that subtle sharp edge on your rope on the 170 foot rap though. Glad you didn’t get too banged up
Tom Collins
I really don’t know much more, we gave a cursory inspection of the anchor as we were setting up the rappel and the webbing looked fine, and we looked at what came down and everything was intact, the webbing had no rips or tears and the rapide was still solid. My only conclusion is that either the log it was attached to broke/shifted or else the webbing just slipped off the log somehow.
Kuenn
Very nice report and refreshing pics. All that water, and snow, in July… like taking a bite of peppermint patty!
I can only imagine – way to get back on that horsey!
So, do forest weeds really grow on snow out there?
ratagonia
Scary. Glad it did not turn out worse, which it easily could have. Feeling better? Land on your pack?
A reminder for us all to carefully and skeptically evaluate in-place anchors EVERY TIME!
Tom
ratagonia
Further comments on the anchor failure would be appreciated.
Tom