Heaps Canyon Rescue?

[hank moon]

Helicopters up and down the main canyon today, rumored to be extracting a party that was due out on the 7th. Anyone got info?

[Bo_Beck]

My understanding. Greatly underestimated challenge and time required. Taken out yesterday.

[Brian in SLC]

Welcome to Zion?

[Iceaxe]

:popcorn:

[ratagonia]

Welcome to Zion?

:roflol:

[blueskies]

ZION NATIONAL PARK – On Tuesday, Oct. 9, Zion National Park Rangers rescued canyoneers overdue from a hike that began Saturday, Oct. 6. The two visitors, a 41 year old man and a 26 year old female, were attempting Heaps Canyon, one of Zion National Park’s more difficult canyoneering routes.
Heaps Canyon is eleven miles long and involves a 300-foot free hanging rappel, swimming through cold water, and numerous other obstacles, including slick rock potholes which can be difficult to traverse.
At approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, the pair picked up their wilderness permit and said they estimated completing it in a day. The park ranger notified them that most people start pre-dawn in order to make Heaps Canyon a day trip. The pair said they were prepared to spend the night if necessary. While the two were never reported overdue, rangers did note that their vehicle was still parked at a trailhead on the morning of the Monday, Oct. 8.
A helicopter from Grand Canyon was called in for the search. The helicopter crew was able to locate the canyoneers in the lower reaches of Heaps Canyon late in the afternoon of the Oct. 8.
After three days of travelling, the two had only completed about two thirds of the canyon. Some of the canyon’s most difficult obstacles still lay ahead. The crew was able to get a radio to the pair who stated that they were not able to complete the canyon without assistance.
On the morning of the Tuesday, Oct. 9, a ranger and firefighter were inserted to a bench above the two canyoneers. They cleared a helispot which enabled the helicopter to land with additional rescuers. The six member rescue team lowered a ranger from the bench 125 feet down to the stranded pair and then hauled all three people back to the bench. The two canyoneers did not require medical assistance.
The successful conclusion to the search was in part because the hikers had obtained a backcountry hiking permit which included information useful to the searchers. However, wilderness hikers should always inform someone of their plans along with an expected completion time.
Had rangers not noticed the canyoneers’ vehicle at the trailhead, it is unclear when or if the two would have been reported overdue. The group also had far less experience than most Heap’s Canyon travelers. While canyon hiking (canyoneering) in Zion can be a challenging and rewarding activity, it is not one that should be entered into lightly.
Email: news@stgnews.com

[spinesnaper]

Got to love Bogley. I know there is more to this story.:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Ken

[Scott Card]

In way over their heads.......three days and only 2/3'ds of the canyon completed. Yikes!

[mtthwlw]

Perhaps it was on their bucket list. :facepalm1: I'm guessing they took a class on Friday and felt prepared- after all they would have learned how to rappel and how to set up an autoblock. What else do you have to know before attempting Heaps?

[Iceaxe]

At approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, the pair picked up their wilderness permit and said they estimated completing it in a day.

:roll:

[ratagonia]

On the morning of the Tuesday, Oct. 9, a ranger and firefighter were inserted to a bench above the two canyoneers.

Perhaps the pair started a fire to draw attention to their predicament???

Which is actually pretty clever. If they carried The Book, they would have known they could have escaped out Isaac Canyon.

T

[Brian in SLC]

She didn't have a little dog with her, by chance?

Ha ha...

[Bootboy]

Was there a dead chihuahua in a dry bag? Pffff haha!

[Iceaxe]

So how does a man who is 41 get a woman who is 26 to have a sleep over?

A friend wanted to know.....

Sent using Tapatalk

[hank moon]

Seduce her with an appearance on one of those "purt near kilt" TV shows

[Deathcricket]

Perhaps it was on their bucket list. :facepalm1: I'm guessing they took a class on Friday and felt prepared- after all they would have learned how to rappel and how to set up an autoblock. What else do you have to know before attempting Heaps?

Damn you for stealing my joke! :haha:

[Scott Card]

So how does a man who is 41 get a woman who is 26 to have a sleep over?

A friend wanted to know.....

Sent using TapatalkExperienced talker and actor. Reality bites though doesn't it?

[Brian in SLC]

So how does a man who is 41 get a woman who is 26 to have a sleep over?

"Hey, want to go to Zion and do a canyon? I hear Heaps is classic. Oh, yeah, we should be able to do it in a day, no problem..."

[ratagonia]

"Hey, want to go to Zion and do a canyon? I hear Heaps is classic. Oh, yeah, we should be able to do it in a day, no problem..."

"You know how to rappel, right?"

:nono:

[xxnitsuaxx]

When we did Heaps over the summer, we ran into a group at the last rappel and chatted with them for a bit. They told us about their prep for Heaps and the canyons they had done to get ready and then they asked us about our experience levels. 4 of us had quite a few canyons under our belts but the other two were pretty new to canyoneering (but were experienced climbers). One of them responded - "Shenanigans". The other group just stared and then turned and asked my last buddy - "and you?" His response? "Hey - Austin...what was that canyon we did over your birthday called? Yankee Doodle or something?" Dead silence. I wish I had it on video.

[Scott P]

If they carried The Book, they would have known they could have escaped out Isaac Canyon.

Or had known not to start a one day Heaps trip at ~9:30 AM in October.:crazycobasa:

[Iceaxe]

Same story with a little different spin from KSL

Park rangers rescue stranded canyoneers in Zion
By McKenzie Romero

ZION NATIONAL PARK — Vigilant park rangers may have saved the lives of two inexperienced canyoneers who got stuck attempting to traverse Heaps Canyon over the weekend.

The pair, a 41-year-old man and 26-year-old woman, had picked up a wilderness permit and entered Heaps Canyon on Saturday morning. Park rangers warned them their late start might necessitate staying overnight in the canyon.

The two were never reported missing or overdue, but rangers noticed their vehicle at a trail head Monday morning.

Aly Baltrus, spokeswoman for Zion National Park, said the successful rescue can be credited to the information the visitors had provided on their permit application and the observations of the rangers who took note of their absence.

"Had rangers not noticed the canyoneers' vehicle at the trail head, it is unclear when or if the two would have been reported overdue," Baltrus said.

The canyoneers were spotted by helicopter late Monday. They were a little more than halfway through and said they were unable to finish the route. The chopper returned Tuesday morning and was able to land on a canyon bench above the group.

A six-person rescue team helped lower a ranger 125 feet down from the bench into the canyon, then hauled the pair and the park ranger back up. Neither of the canyoneers required medical assistance.

Heaps Canyon is a challenging route in in the increasingly popular sport of canyoneering, park officials said. The canyon is 11 miles long and includes a 300-foot free hanging rappel, swimming through cold water and slick rock potholes.

The two stranded canyoneers lacked the experience necessary to successfully complete the route, the release stated.

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=22507431&nid=148&title=park-rangers-rescue-stranded-canyoneers-in-zions&s_cid=queue-4

[Brian in SLC]

KSL comments are pretty mild so far.

Interesting that someone posted a good measure for being ready for Heaps is if you've done the technical part of Pine Creek in 45 minutes. Seems average at best to me. And, like someone else stated, not a decent measure.

I've always liked the way Tom has treated both Imlay and Heaps in his canyon beta. Shane too. Good advice. Climbers always do well to heed advice such as "the Road to the Nose" type stuff. What needs to be done to prepare.

Hey, its just rappelling...(ha ha!).

Come on, who knows these folks? Let's have some perspective from the victims, here!

[mtthwlw]

... Let's have some perspective from the victims, here!

The only victims of this are the people who actually go into these canyons prepared for the conditions. I'm glad that they were saved (from their own stupidity) but these people cost us all... The resources that were used to rescue these people could have been better spent.
:mad:

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[burley]

KSL comments are pretty mild so far.


Hmmm...searching for Heaps on KSL does not bring up the desired results (http://www.ksl.com/?sid=53574&nid=208&cx=partner-pub-3771868546990559%3Ar955z1-wmf4&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&sa=Search&searchtype=kslcom&q=heaps&x=15&y=19).

[accadacca]

Hmmm...searching for Heaps on KSL does not bring up the desired results (http://www.ksl.com/?sid=53574&nid=208&cx=partner-pub-3771868546990559%3Ar955z1-wmf4&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&sa=Search&searchtype=kslcom&q=heaps&x=15&y=19).
:facepalm1: :lol8:

[Iceaxe]

Hmmm...searching for Heaps on KSL does not bring up the desired results (http://www.ksl.com/?sid=53574&nid=208&cx=partner-pub-3771868546990559%3Ar955z1-wmf4&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&sa=Search&searchtype=kslcom&q=heaps&x=15&y=19).

I don't know.... hard to tell one disater from the other.... :lol8:

[Scott Card]

Hmmm...searching for Heaps on KSL does not bring up the desired results (http://www.ksl.com/?sid=53574&nid=208&cx=partner-pub-3771868546990559%3Ar955z1-wmf4&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&sa=Search&searchtype=kslcom&q=heaps&x=15&y=19). OK, that was funny. :lol8:

[reflection]

The mishap, drama, SAR, speculation re who he/she...if they come out as "known quantities" or friends of prime canyoneers, there will be excuse and explanation plenty. (The dry suit leaked, we ripped the wet suit, we lost a rope in the water, we slipped on a climb or drop/injured arm/leg). If they continue to be unknown or turn out to be rookies, the rapturous, rancorous barking will continue - justifyablly I suppose. (and I wonder what the talk within Zion Park is, who paid for the chopper/time/gas..those blankety canyoneers- rescues, Heaps, Subway.) So many angles....another view though; the internet, web sites, books, hype?
There is plenty of watch out/prepare on some sites, but still the lure, allure and quest to match the big boys/girls by doing the big stuff in zion -doesn't matter that fall conditions - cooler water, and abnormal log jams are present. Wonder wonder, how many more rescues, what's the future consequence? Park imposing (like some counties) rescue impact fees. Or maybe more deaths to ramp up the notoriety of the place(s). Sprinkle their ashes in the canyon? It's a chaotic barrell of twisted interests. If the two come out, maybe they get poked (speak) and to some degree, there is more insight...otherwise, all speculation and gunfire. Load up folk, the irresponsible ride, entering the Heaps carousel, not paying for the ticket (dues) and putting the sport in disrepute. Ah, but we taxpayers pay taxes, that'll cover all the rescue operation? Is that Tea Party talk or what? OOPS forgot, maybe they were friends of "Lance" & neglected to boost (blood cells) EPO; or testosterone or blood infusion? Maybe that's the excuse or call? (the party line is to deny that). I'm sure there are warm bodies out there, that know who and what put them up to it - too bad these same clarion callers didn't put a stop or stall to it - their effort. Stick with an amusement ride elsewhere; or make a trip to the therapist or psychologist; questing, what's that inner pull or drive; why didn't we stay out of harms way? Dave Black, barking dog, younger women...Heaps...rescue (of the dog)...Death in Heaps, a while back...the stories, do they have meaning or is the 20 minute (day long) splash of notoriety "entertainment tonite", or just wistful drama in the rear view mirror?

[Brian in SLC]

Uhh, try using a paragraph or two, Steve, easier to follow your point (whatever it is...ha ha!).

Some schadenfreude, some "there but for the grace go I", some pure entertainment value.

Climbing last weekend at Tahquitz, my partner and I, someone I'd never roped in with, got a classic afternoon "Southern California alpine start". 7 pitch route, one I hadn't done before. She casually mentions she forgot her headlight. Chuckle. Have to admit the idear of a forced bivy sorta sounded appealling... Alas, was not to be as we car-to-car'd it in a few hours.

Bitin' off more than can be chewed...happens to the best of us. No medical attention needed?

Glad they were ok.

I think back on the folks who made the NPS morning report (I'll pass, knock on wood!), and wonder, for the most of them, was that it for canyoning for them? Wonder what percentage stayed hooked?

[spinesnaper]

So how does a man who is 41 get a woman who is 26 to have a sleep over?

A friend wanted to know.....

Sent using Tapatalk

Another older man getting in trouble with a younger woman. Some things never change. I want to know what he's going to tell his wife.:haha:

[Eric Holden]

Climbing last weekend at Tahquitz,

In my neck of the woods eh? Ever weekend I am hiking those mountains, still have yet to climb on Tahquitz or Suicide.... I really should do it sometime.

[Stray]

Is it possible they were planning on spending a week in Heaps and ZNP rescue messed it up for them?

"But wifey nothing happened, we were *stuck* in Heaps!" :naughty:

[reflection]

The point, sir Brian - it's a muddled mess - conjuring or figuring out the hows and why's re some folk in the outdoors. And so when a certain politician or two "turned on his mouth and didn't stop", I thought well - I'll purposely let the lines run today, with no intent to stop or shift a paragraph. But then you have a style too, at times, which I won't talk about, publicly.

Half way into Heaps - cold water season and more debris this year - and the folk take a ride "up the rope" into the helicopter. So convenient that a spartan SAR crew is around. And the unknowing public - it's a 20 second splash on the TV or news and then folk (mentally) move on. But for those of us that have been in Heaps, more than a few times, we kinda wonder....I've had enough of this cold and climbing up and over and outa potholes; I'll sit and wait for the calvary? But then again, maybe an injury or calamity, or some some screaming or crying; a big emotional dip?

These days, folk hike a mountain, give out, patch the cell phone to 911 and ask for a helicopter. If it's a legitimate break of an arm or leg, we give them a pass, but those that didn't measure the stick before they did the deed and gave out? What gives there? Canyoneering vs. climbing. The former - in many cases -so easy. Drop the line, go down and have a blissful day. Then if drama or tension arrives - in climbing there is a retreat (if possible); in canyoneering, once the ropes are pulled, one drops into a potential pandoras box; (water, cold, fatigue). And the hows and whys and whats and whos - one can imagine and wonder? Or is that illegal sir? And wasn't it quite obvious that the writer was tapping at a constellation of maybe's, or possibly it's best, counseler to simply - they bit off more than they could chew - and leave the other landscape/background, out of the discussion?

Maybe it was an uncle and niece, or a teacher and student (that would be livelier chat) :crazycobasa:Whatever. Bri climbing with still another woman, that's more interesting/compelling, I suppose, than a mini Heaps drama? Oh the notoriety. (Ha Ha ?), sorry I don't use that ha ha banter. When the "insight" re the incident lapses, folk back into the shallow water....and the day draws on, another climb, hike or canyon (report in the dark tonite?) No, I'll be w/my mum at a senior living center; maybe we'll look at the book - Who Stole My Hat? That's a good one, with plenty of "real" wonder.

[ratagonia]

The point, sir Brian - it's a muddled mess - conjuring or figuring out the hows and why's re some folk in the outdoors. And so when a certain politician or two "turned on his mouth and didn't stop", I thought well - I'll purposely let the lines run today, with no intent to stop or shift a paragraph. ...

I too listened to the ... so I wanted to interrupt you so many times... Thankfully the Interwebs forces more politeness, at times.

I think they should cite them. And bill for the rescue.

Tom

[spinesnaper]

I do very much hope that Bogley flushes out the story on this pair of canyoneers like it has done so many times before. I for one do not question the need to rescue a party that is 2 days over due in the canyon. I salute the National Park rangers for doing their job and getting these hikers out without harm.

Ken

[mzamp]

be checking for "like new" gear for sale.:roll_lol:

[mtthwlw]

Post removed.

[nat]

I too listened to the ... so I wanted to interrupt you so many times... Thankfully the Interwebs forces more politeness, at times.

I think they should cite them. And bill for the rescue.

Tom

Yeah, normally I'm a softy about these things. Lots of things can go wrong in a canyon, but here, I definitely think that they should be billed for this. Starting after 9AM, and thinking they were going to get through in a day? :roflol:

Nat

[ratagonia]

Yeah, normally I'm a softy about these things. Lots of things can go wrong in a canyon, but here, I definitely think that they should be billed for this. Starting after 9AM, and thinking they were going to get through in a day? :roflol:

Nat

Actually, do we know that (that they started the same day)? They picked up their permit at 9:30 am - was it for the same day, or the next day? This was implied in one news report, but I'm not sure that was based on more information than we have - I think that is lost in the murk of the reportage/facts interface.

Tom

[Redpb]

Heaps is one on the list for anyone serious about the sport. I've gone through a number of canyons, mostly easier ones I'm sure, done a few pothole escapes, etc... But the thought of Heaps makes me nervous for sure.
To my question, what are some canyons that would test my abilities and skills that would give me an idea that I could consider doing Heaps and not end up in the news like these clowns?

[erial]

Was it the rabbit?

[nat]

Actually, do we know that (that they started the same day)? They picked up their permit at 9:30 am - was it for the same day, or the next day? This was implied in one news report, but I'm not sure that was based on more information than we have - I think that is lost in the murk of the reportage/facts interface.

Tom

I guess we don't know for sure, but the news report quoted by Shane above did say that they entered the canyon Saturday morning, and were warned by the backcountry desk that they were getting a late start.

Nat

[ratagonia]

Here is the ZNP press release:



Date: October 10, 2012
Contact: Aly Baltrus, 435 772-0160
On Tuesday, October 9, Zion National Park Rangers rescued canyoneers overdue from a hike that began Saturday, October 6. The two visitors, a 41 year old man and a 26 year old female, were attempting Heaps Canyon, one of Zion National Park's more difficult canyoneering routes. Heaps Canyon is eleven miles long and involves a 300 foot free hanging rappel, swimming through cold water, and numerous other obstacles, including slick rock potholes which can be difficult to traverse.

At approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, the pair picked up their wilderness permit and said they estimated completing it in a day. The park ranger notified them that most people start pre-dawn in order to make Heaps Canyon a day trip. The pair said they were prepared to spend the night if necessary. While the two were never reported overdue, rangers did note that their vehicle was still parked at a trailhead on the morning of the Monday, October 8.

A helicopter from Grand Canyon was called in for the search. The helicopter crew was able to locate the canyoneers in the lower reaches of Heaps Canyon late in the afternoon of the October 8. After three days of travelling, the two had only completed about two thirds of the canyon. Some of the canyon's most difficult obstacles still lay ahead. The crew was able to get a radio to the pair who stated that they were not able to complete the canyon without assistance. On the morning of the Tuesday, October 9, a ranger and firefighter were inserted to a bench above the two canyoneers. They cleared a helispot which enabled the helicopter to land with additional rescuers. The six member rescue team lowered a ranger from the bench 125 feet down to the stranded pair and then hauled all three people back to the bench. The two canyoneers did not require medical assistance.

The successful conclusion to the search was in part because the hikers had obtained a backcountry hiking permit which included information useful to the searchers. However, wilderness hikers should always inform someone of their plans along with an expected completion time. Had rangers not noticed the canyoneers' vehicle at the trailhead, it is unclear when or if the two would have been reported overdue. The group also had far less experience than most Heap's Canyon travelers. While canyon hiking (canyoneering) in Zion can be a challenging and rewarding activity, it is not one that should be entered into lightly.


Many of the reports are based ENTIRELY on this press release. Perhaps one of the reporters called Ms. Baltrus for clarification on a few points, but... without the context of knowing what "Heaps" is, I'm not sure that would be helpful. But then again, this is conjecture about what was or was not conjectured by the person who wrote the news report. Nat - you're the mathematician - (Conjecture) X (Conjecture) = ????

T :moses:

[Iceaxe]

NPS Morning Report 10-16-2012
Zion National Park (UT)
Two Canyoneers Rescued From Heaps Canyon

On Saturday, October 6th, a 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman began a trip through Heaps Canyon, one of the park’s more difficult canyoneering routes due to its length, cold water, a 300-foot free hanging rappel, and numerous obstacles, including slick rock potholes. Because of its length and difficulty, those who wish to complete Heap’s Canyon as a day trip typically get a pre-dawn start. However, when this pair received their required wilderness permit around 9 am on Saturday, they said that their intention was to complete the canyon in one day. When park staff informed them they would not be able to complete the trip before dark, they said that they were prepared to spend the night. While the two were never reported overdue, rangers did note that their vehicle was still parked at a trailhead on the morning of Monday, October 8th. The Grand Canyon NP helicopter was requested in order to conduct a search. The helicopter crew found the canyoneers in the lower reaches of Heaps Canyon late that afternoon. After three days of travelling, the two had only completed about two-thirds of the canyon and had not gotten past some of its most difficult obstacles. The crew inserted a radio to the pair, who said that they couldn’t complete the canyon without assistance. The woman reportedly sprained her ankle and was also having difficulty with the cold. On the morning of October 9th, a ranger and firefighter were inserted on a bench above the two canyoneers. They cleared a helispot, which made it possible for the helicopter to land with additional rescuers. The six-member rescue team lowered a medic from the bench 125 feet down to the stranded pair and then hauled all three people back to the bench. The two canyoneers did not require medical assistance. The experience and competence of the Grand Canyon pilot, manager, and ranger/medic were instrumental in ensuring the successful completion of this complex operation. Had rangers not noticed the canyoneers’ vehicle at the trailhead, it is unclear when or if the two would have been reported overdue. Wilderness hikers should always inform someone of their plans along with an expected exit time. The pair also had far less experience than most Heaps Canyon travelers. The man, the more experienced of the two, had previously rappelled through several of Zion’s easy to moderate canyoneering routes and had some top rope and gym climbing experience.
[Submitted by Ray O’Neil, Plateau District Ranger]

[Iceaxe]

And my favorite part....


The pair also had far less experience than most Heaps Canyon travelers. The man, the more experienced of the two, had previously rappelled through several of Zion’s easy to moderate canyoneering routes and had some top rope and gym climbing experience.


I would sure like to know their reasoning behind choosing Heaps and a mid-morning start.

:popcorn:

[Stray]

"I finished Subway and Keyhole, I've completed every 5.7 climb at the gym :stud:, I want something a little more challenging .... how about Heaps with a 26 year old blond?"

At least they knew enough to leave the lap dog at home. :lol8:

[hesse15]

Is it possible they were planning on spending a week in Heaps and ZNP rescue messed it up for them?

"But wifey nothing happened, we were *stuck* in Heaps!" :naughty:

just out of curiosity, I know about a chiuauha in HEAPS (Dave and Sonia),about doing in a day (Bo and Shaun) any information of full intercourse sex in the canyon?
probably that was the intention in first place....and use the unpreparred excuse to have more days to enjoied:naughty::whistling::happy046::boozer::smok ing::hippy::kickit::nomystery:

at least from the veterans??

Come on you do not need to disclose names

[spinesnaper]

This thread was bumped for this? Seriously, doesn't this questions deserve its own thread? And then again, who would believe any claims without the appropriate GoPro documentation?:haha::haha:

To quote Bill Clinton: "I did not have sex with that woman!"

Ken

[hesse15]

come on did you ever heard of :Boring friday at work?



This thread was bumped for this? Seriously, doesn't this questions deserve its own thread? And then again, who would believe any claims without the appropriate GoPro documentation?:haha::haha:

To quote Bill Clinton: "I did not have sex with that woman!"

Ken