Frozen Ropes

[AJ]

Quick curiosity question. During the swell trip, the temperatures were low enough, that the ropes froze while we were canyoneering. Wondering how much damage people think the rope sustains from situations like this. Normally, in ice climbing; if the temp is cold, the ropes don't get wet; or if it's warmer, the ropes don't freeze. Thus, I haven't run across this too many times. However, in canyoneering, when you break through ice for potholes, the rope is likely to get wet and freeze.

I don't personally think it will do a lot of damage, but it perked my curiosity since the fall that killed Danny Osman was partly pegged to his ropes freezing overnight. Although he was doing a jump of rope tied to rope from high heights; using dynamic lines; so I know it's a bit different of a scenario.

Thoughts?

[mrbrejcha]

I don't worry about it too much. I know all of my good lead lines have been frozen numerous times and they still catch whippers, and in canyoneering, everything is only body weight. As to the actual damage freezing does, I have no idea. Maybe email bluewater or sterling and see whta they say.