With the mild winter and lack of rain we thought we would head up to the swell to tackle some of the pothole canyons in low water conditions. We planned on doing the squeeze one day and quandary direct/knotted rope the next. With rain predicted for Saturday we chose the squeeze first and crossed our fingers for the others. Us southerners (from AZ) decided to try the muddy creek approach from factory butte road.
The steep climb up the Moroni slope was easy to spot a mile away. At least the steep approach didn’t involve bushwhacking.
The climb to the top was not as bad as it looked and we were soon looking for the best path down into the squeeze trying to get in as much of the middle section as possible.
We made it to the canyon floor without the need for a rappel by just planning what looked like a good route from the rim. Here are the coordinates in case anyone wants to know:
(38 32′ 28.69″N, 110 57′ 45.75″W).
I guess this is why we don’t canyon in skirts or kilts. Well maybe the Scottish do?
Some of the down climbs that flared at the bottom were interesting without any water. Luckily most the landings were in sand.
Of course it isn’t each man (person) for themselves. Let the teamwork ensue. (FMAR?)
The first of 3 arches. At least we know we are in the right canyon.
We could walk right under the second arch which is completely dry. A stark contrast to what it was just a year ago.
April 20th, 2013 (borrowed from Brian Bassett)
An obligatory group photo on the 3rd and final arch.
The first hole was easily defeated with a single potshot thanks to the shape of the down canyon lip. Look close and you can see that the hole is dry. I am standing on damp sand.
For the large keeper, two potshots were flung into place (hey, 2 had been enough all day). Initial tests seemed to show that it may support my weight with the friction of the lip. No such luck. Next up plan B!
Since the 2 potshots were not even close to supporting my weight, we added a pack on top of them. Pushed over the edge with an avi probe. Then Jill was able to easily shimmy up the ropes.
All smiles from the gals!!
One of the trickest feautures of the water this low was the ring of mud along the edge. Once you broke through the surface it became so slick that it would suck you into the water. Quite entertaining.
Sequencing is everything. We couldn’t get enough leverage to pull Jill out, so I jumpped back in to give her a helping hand (literally)
With the potholes behind us and pleanty of daylight we could enjoy the last few raps at a more leisurely pace.
Dang, there must be some big canyoneers descending these canyons.
The last rap into the muddy creek signaled the end of the canyon and an exceptional day in the Swell. Now just for the 2 mile sand slog back to the car where we had some golden nectar on ice waiting for us.
oh wait… One last shot of the crew. (Hollon, Jill, Kelli and me)
Featured Image for the Homepage:
Bootboy
Done
LNT
ratagonia
First prototype, I hope…
My version works, but I’ve got to get the weight down…
ratagonia
Trebuchet, actually. Working on it. Taylor might beat me to it…
Bootboy
I’m in my laboratory as we speak….
LNT
Bootboy
This is in high water, but still relevant.
LNT
Brian Clark
Great Pics!
Mountaineer
That keeper is tricky! Don’t underestimate that one. Nicely done! Huge highlight of the canyon for me. I love the challenge it provides
Mike Zampino
Thanks Mark! I should have thrown a third bag before dropping in since the bags were only half full. I couldn’t make the toss with more sand.
There is an old bolt about eye level and the start of a drill hole (or an old drill hole) another 6 feet up from that. I used my cliffhanger on the bolt to stand up so I could push the pack over the edge.
My biggest mistake with the potholes was not taking enough photos. I get too engrossed in the escape and forget to snap away. Thanks to Kelli for getting the ones she did.
Mountaineer
It is a tough throw! The canyon turns at that point also, complicating things. When Tyler and I were in there, we were “monkeying” around with all kinds of stuff, including a long pole to try and hook something. We didn’t have quite enough counter weight either, and the other side is a gradual slope not ideal for potshots. When it started to rain, we were out of the hole within seconds… ha ha. Motivation.
Nice! Great pics Kelli.
Bootboy
The key to that throw is to stem up about 4′. It makes the throw substantially easier. It puts you up higher so it takes less effort and you have a straighter shot. I got out on just 2 FULL potshots. You’ll find that once you’re stemmed up, making the throw with brimming full sand bags isn’t really too bad.
The first smaller keeper can be stemmed over. I’m only 5’8″ and have short arms and managed it ok. Shorter folks have to go in but if the first man stems it, he’s in a great position to help subsequent shorties.
Well done and nice pics.
LNT
Mike Zampino
On a different pothole I tried stemming up to get a better throw with a full bag, but got a little nervous since it was a dry pothole. I would have felt more comfortable if it had water in it. I suppose I could have had someone on the team give me a belay in case I slipped, but didn’t think of that at the time.
I hope Tom is designing the Collapsible Canyon Catapult. Then all our problems with the potshot toss will be solved…
Scott Patterson
So, there was no swimming at all?
We’re supposed to do the canyon May 31, but from looking at the photos I guess if it doesn’t rain much, it might be completely dry (and not as fun) then.
Mike Zampino
Nope – No swimming
Mountaineer
Great job Mike!
Scott Patterson
Nice!
John Styrnol
I remember doing this in 2005 (TomFest). Really long approach from Hidden Springs. Back then we used a Happy Hooker (2 times), with some water near the end. There was a traverse line over the potholes (2-3?). Very cool canyon.
Deagol
how long did it take ?
Mike Zampino
Just under 10 hours, 4 people, 120, 100, and 50ft ropes, medium pace. (3 hour approach, 6 of canyon, 50 min exit)
ratagonia
Very nice TR, thanks Mike.
Tom