Roadside Flows  WI4-5 M5

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Type:  Trad, Mixed, Ice, 1 pitch, 90 feet Consensus:  WI4-5 M5 [details] FA:  ??? Season:  Early-Mid Winter Submitted By:  Chris Zeller on Nov 1, 2001 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (2) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

BETA PHOTO: In a generous year, 2000-1.

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Description 

This route follows ice formations that extend vertically below the aqueduct. The lines vary in difficulty from moderate to vertical with free-hanging pillars at times. The formation of these flows is highly variable due to the low altitude, sun exposure, and state of repair of the aqueduct. In winter 2000, these flows didn't form at all, and, in January, 2001 they seem to be drying up. Get them while they last!

Descent: Scramble down the rocks beside the route.

Leo Paik writes:

Various flows have formed across from the 1st tunnel over the year. 2000-01 was a bonus year but they were gone pretty quickly. Hopefully, these will form again. Upstream from the tunnel is a bridge. Walk downstream along aqueduct carefully. There are various areas to walk down. Described L to R are some of these. In the photo: 1. Short WI2-3 flow; 2. M5 TR line with crux finish; 3. WI4 fat ice curtain; 4. WI5- R edge of curtain with traverse to small tongue of ice; 5. WI4- thin ice; 6. WI4 ice ribbon; 7. WI4+ delicate ribbon angling R; 8. WI4- R most ribbon in picture. Beyond the photo: 9. WI3 shorter fat ice; 10. WI3 line of least resistance; 11. WI3+ verglas start to fun chandelier; 12. WI3+ R side of flow. Further upstream 13. WI2. One extra word of caution - don't lick yer picks here. Giardia!

Protection 

Screws and rock pro depending on conditions. Often thin.

Toprope Protection 

Slings, and rock pro can be used to anchor to trees, rocks and the aqueduct above. The ice typically does not reach the top of the aqueduct.