Idaho Ice?

ChantelleM wrote:I am hoping to add a question to this thread as there is already a great Idaho ice climbing discussion being had.. Is there a recommended place to top-rope ice in Idaho/ eastern OR at all? I just made a trip to Bozeman and have Cody and Ouray trips coming up but I am looking to practice some mock-leading and other skills back home in between to advance faster and I am not comfortable leading ice yet? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

If you don't get an answer in a reasonable time frame, PM Kevin above. If he doesn't know, or know who you should ask, I'd be astounded.

Helen

And, for your icy pleasure, Google "Broken Wings trip report" .

So in response to the previous post. There isn't much of an answer so far this year because there's not been too much ice forming this year.

In the Boise area, I know of 3 routes that form, but only when it gets really really cold for that area. So far this year is not Boise's year. (Search Poison creek, Jump Creek, and Hidden Falls.) I was in Twin Falls ID two days ago and the ice was white, wet, and falling off.
I was in Teton Canyon (Driggs ID) on Saturday and things looked young still.
I have not been able to get up North into Ketchum ID to see how Trail Creek is looking, but I bet its in good shape. Then there is the ice on the shoulder of Lorenzo Peak North of Sun Valley, and I bet its getting good as well. I bet the Ice on the north face of Cobb Peak (Hailey ID) isn't in yet. If you come to the City of Rocks, bring your shoes not your tools (yet).

If you were to ask me of a place where you can hike and set up a top rope to practice lead climbing, I'd say that you could do it in Twin Falls. It would be an all day adventure, but possible. You are better off finding someone who can lead and partner up with them. They would lead, build an anchor, then you could run laps while they belay.

I'm looking to get out on Saturday. Not sure where or with who. One thing, I'm staying away from Utah. (too warm and too many people with sharp pointy things.)

Old lady H wrote: If you don't get an answer in a reasonable time frame, PM Kevin above. If he doesn't know, or know who you should ask, I'd be astounded. Helen

Well thanks for the complement. That was nice of you to say.

Old lady H wrote:And, for your icy pleasure, Google "Broken Wings trip report" .

Helen,

Thanks for the nod to Kevin and for the trip report, certainly something to aspire to.

There is hope. If you check the weather, Idaho is going to swing 30 degrees in the next 24 hours. Boise is going to dip down to single digits tomorrow night and only come up to 18 on Saturday. I bet if you wander over to Jump Creek, you'd see a car or two.

Hey Kevin,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, it looks like MP has a limit for newer users on posts so I got maxed out for a bit when trying to reply.

Thank you for all of the information. We are going to go at least check out jump and poison creek today to get some idea of the practice opportunities for our skill level at these locations (if/when it comes in).

In regards to twin falls, I do not have much information on that area, are you saying it is an all day adventure because of the drive or approach?

I have been to several of the locations north of ketchum, ID when warm so I will need to make the trip back this winter. Like you said not much opportunity for TR at this point until skills improve so not sure how much I will check out up there until then. That said we are always looking for people to get out with if they can put up with novices who are generally competent from a rope mngmt/safety perspective.

Thanks again for all the beta, I am sure I will have more questions/comments further into the season.

-Chantelle

ChantelleM, lets us know what you find condition wise today! Much appreciated!

ChantelleM wrote:Hey Kevin, Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, it looks like MP has a limit for newer users on posts so I got maxed out for a bit when trying to reply. Thank you for all of the information. We are going to go at least check out jump and poison creek today to get some idea of the practice opportunities for our skill level at these locations (if/when it comes in). In regards to twin falls, I do not have much information on that area, are you saying it is an all day adventure because of the drive or approach? I have been to several of the locations north of ketchum, ID when warm so I will need to make the trip back this winter. Like you said not much opportunity for TR at this point until skills improve so not sure how much I will check out up there until then. That said we are always looking for people to get out with if they can put up with novices who are generally competent from a rope mngmt/safety perspective. Thanks again for all the beta, I am sure I will have more questions/comments further into the season. -Chantelle

Chantelle, definitely get connected via the forum in the links earlier in this thread. Kevin's right, it's a tiny pool of people here, but, that also means close knit and, in my experience, kind, patient, and welcoming. You can at least get questions answered, and, maybe, get an invite!

Best, Helen

My son and I aren't icy polar bears, but when it warms a smidge (like 30-40°, lol!) we are willing to climb with new folks. Enjoy it a bunch, actually!

And, today it was .5 at our house at 8a.m., so the 30-40 remark wasn't exactly an exaggeration, at least not for bare hands on rock.

Could anyone help me find Hidden Falls? Would really like to head out there tomorrow but all directions im finding are super vague.

Brandon McSparin wrote:ChantelleM, lets us know what you find condition wise today! Much appreciated!

Hey Brandon,

We made it to Jump Creek (as pictured still flowing heavy) but not Poison. I have hiked around Poison before but approached from the top. Road to the top of the canyon was too snowy and steep for me and the Private Property signs kept me from parking and entering from below so I am going to do a bit more research on best etiquette to approach from below and then go back in a couple weeks. Will post more as I check things out.

Old lady H wrote: Chantelle, definitely get connected via the forum in the links earlier in this thread. Kevin's right, it's a tiny pool of people here, but, that also means close knit and, in my experience, kind, patient, and welcoming. You can at least get questions answered, and, maybe, get an invite! Best, Helen My son and I aren't icy polar bears, but when it warms a smidge (like 30-40°, lol!) we are willing to climb with new folks. Enjoy it a bunch, actually! And, today it was .5 at our house at 8a.m., so the 30-40 remark wasn't exactly an exaggeration, at least not for bare hands on rock.

Hey Helen,

Thanks for being the first one to show ID climbing hospitality, we would love to climb with you sometime, just let me know when you are feeling extra patient when warmer.

The ID community has overall been very welcoming since I moved here two years ago and I sincerely look forward to connecting with this climbing community more. Thank you for all the support.

ChantelleM wrote: Hey Brandon, We made it to Jump Creek (as pictured still flowing heavy) but not Poison. I have hiked around Poison before but approached from the top. Road to the top of the canyon was too snowy and steep for me and the Private Property signs kept me from parking and entering from below so I am going to do a bit more research on best etiquette to approach from below and then go back in a couple weeks. Will post more as I check things out.

Thanks!

Cold snap is forcasted next week, so I'll be out hunting some flows. Looking for more ice partners!

Hey Zach, Chantelle, or Brandon, lets meet in Twin Falls tomorrow (Saturday). The soonest I can get there is 10am. We can group up on the NORTH side of Perrine Bridge and look at the ice from the observation area before you cross the bridge into town.
From there we can build a plan on what we'd like to climb.
Who's in?

kevinhansen wrote:Hey Zach, Chantelle, or Brandon, lets meet in Twin Falls tomorrow (Saturday). The soonest I can get there is 10am. We can group up on the NORTH side of Perrine Bridge and look at the ice from the observation area before you cross the bridge into town. From there we can build a plan on what we'd like to climb. Who's in?

We are in McCall tomorrow but open all day this Sunday if that works for you at all. We head to Ouray next weekend so the next two weekends are out for us but available for any climbing after 1/16 when back.

kevinhansen wrote:Hey Zach, Chantelle, or Brandon, lets meet in Twin Falls tomorrow (Saturday). The soonest I can get there is 10am. We can group up on the NORTH side of Perrine Bridge and look at the ice from the observation area before you cross the bridge into town. From there we can build a plan on what we'd like to climb. Who's in?

Wish I could! Ugh, I have to work tomorrow and I am currently trying to get a new car so no way to make it down anyways! Have fun!

kevinhansen wrote:Hey Zach, Chantelle, or Brandon, lets meet in Twin Falls tomorrow (Saturday). The soonest I can get there is 10am. We can group up on the NORTH side of Perrine Bridge and look at the ice from the observation area before you cross the bridge into town. From there we can build a plan on what we'd like to climb. Who's in?

Kevin, I know Zach, he's a great guy. Sent him a text that you were up for tomorrow. Hope it works out!

OLH

Zach is definitely a good dude, and a super motivated partner.

Glad to hear Idaho is having a good ice season. It typically does not give up the goods easily.

For anyone motivated for a long snowmobile and ski tour, there's a waterfall on the east face of Nahneke Peak in the Queens River drainage of the southern Sawtooths, near Atlanta. Free hanging for most of its length. Could be the prettiest pillar in Idaho if it freezes up.

Ok, I guess tomorrow is out.
I'm open to climb on Monday. Anyone?