Canyon Trips & Workshops
Ouray Canyon Safety Workshop
7:00 AM
Community Center
Maximum number: all welcome)
Presenter: AJ
Topics will include:
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Mountain/Alpine environment - Special challenges related to the alpine environment: weather, altitude, sun exposure etc.
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The Canyons - Loose, slick, SHARP rock edges. Natural/bolt anchors. Down-climbing (slick rock).
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Crowding -This will likely be the highest number of people in Ouray canyons during one week. Safety issues associated with lots of people in the same canyon. Loose rock/rock fall. Crowding/bottle necks at anchors (suggest staggered morning starts particularly in canyons like Angel and Oak, Cascade w/ its multiple bail out points). Willingness to assist parties having difficulties etc.
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Water - Not sure what water levels are like but if they’re high or if people are inexperienced w/ water the usual caveats.
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Weather - Afternoon storms – start early and check weather before going in to canyons later
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Flashes – USUALLY not as intense as other canyon locations, but the bigger problem is even a small amount of water increase can start moving rocks (i.e. dangerous at rappels). Only a few canyons have good exits, but many have safe places to wait out a flash. Pull ropes from rappel if waiting out a flash, as falling rocks can damage ropes.
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Hypothermia – Have adequate cold protection
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Portland Creek
ACA Rating: 3C1 I French Rating: v3a2 II
2-3 rappels, longest 55 feet
Typical Time: 1.0-2.0 hours
Location: 38.018, -107.6653
Lower Oak Creek
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Difficult (Technical with some unobvious anchors, wading, no water hazards, and downclimbing with mile esposure. Belays may be difficult.)
08:00 AM, Meet at Ouray Community Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
ACA Rating: 3C2 III R French Rating: v5a5 III
6 rappels, longest 170 feet
Typical Time: 4.5 - 6 hours
Location: 38.045, -107.7045
ACA Rating: 3C3 III French Rating: v3a6 III
6 rappels, longest 100 feet
Typical Time: 4.5-7 hours
Location: 37.97889, -107.64306
Middle & Lower Oak Creek
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Very Difficult (Technical and some unobvious anchors, lots of water contact, and some downclimbing with mild to moderate exposure.)
07:00 AM, Meet at Ouray Community Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
ACA Rating: 3C2 III R French Rating: v5a5 III
12 rappels, longest 170 feet
Typical Time: 6-8 hours
Location:
Angel Creek (Lower)
ACA Rating: 3C1 I French Rating: v3a3 II
4 rappels, longest 50 feet
Typical Time: 1.5-3.0 hours
Location: 38.008, -107.6963
Lower Angel & Portland Creeks (short version)
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Moderate (Technical with easy, obvious anchors, wading, no water hazards, and easy belayed downclimbs with Mild exposure)
Wednesday 1:00 PM, Thurs-Sun 9:00 AM
Meet at Ouray Community Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
Bear Creek
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Advanced (Technical with unobvious anchors, unprotected downclimbing with moderate exposure, cold water contact and potential water hazards.)
08:00 AM, Meet at Ouray Community Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
Upper Uncompahgre River
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Expert (Technical with advanced rope work and anchors, exposed unprotected downclimbing and water hazards.)
08:00 AMN, Meet at Ouray Community Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
ACA Rating: 3C3 III French Rating: v4a4 IV
6 rappels, longest 100 feet
Typical Time: 5-7 hours
Location: 37.9994, -107.6339
Cascade Creek
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Advanced (Technical with unobvious anchors, unprotected downclimbing with moderate exposure, cold water contact and potential water hazards.)
07:00, Meet at Ouray Commuity Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
Corbett Creek
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Expert (Technical with advanced rope work and anchors, exposed unprotected downclimbing and water hazards.)
07:00, Meet at Ouray Community Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
ACA Rating: 3C2 III R French Rating: v5a5 III
10 rappels, longest 270 feet
Typical Time: 8-12 hours
Location: 38.0295, -107.651
ICA Rating: 3C1 III French Rating: v5a4 III
12 rappels, longest 190 feet
Typical Time: 6.5 - 10 hours
Location: 38.045, -107.7045
Weehawken Creek
Ouray Canyon guide book rating: Expert (Technical with advanced rope work and anchors, exposed unprotected downclimbing and water hazards.)
07:00, Meet at Ouray Community Center
Maximum number: six (6)
Instigator: TBD
ICA Rating: 3C2 III French Rating: v5a6 III
6 rappels, longest 170 feet
Typical Time: 4-5.5 hours
Location: 37.9789, -107.6431
Release of Liability
The canyon ambassador, canyon lead, or canyon instigator is not an instructor, guide or guru. Each participant is responsible for his or her own safety, as well as looking out for everyone else's safety. Activities at height in wet canyons are dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
Remember this DISCLAIMER: All workshops, clinics, and trip ambassadors are NOT COMMERCIAL GUIDES OR INSTRUCTORS! All activities are run as a group of friends that get together to have fun and learn from each other with no fees involved. These vertical sessions are no substitute for PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. Keep in mind...
YOUR SAFETY IS ALWAYS YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY!