Escalante Conditions Report

Had my trip cut short due to the weather and my looser friends canceling last minute for Monday and Tuesday... LAME! Steady rain from North Wash to SLC, didn't let up anywhere, the canyons should get a good soaking... hopefully at least. Here are a few condition reports:

Neon: Tippy top full, the two keepers were swim outs but if water drops they may turn hard again. Should fill up again this weekend.

Headless Hen - Medium/Low water, one or two swimmers but mostly wades or dry, the final keeper gave us the most problems, a LONG throw to use a potshot. We finally did a knee, to shoulder, to fully extended arm stand to push Dave out the top. Rope grooves between a couple potholes BEFORE any of the masses have had a chance to do it from Kelsey's new book.

Raven - High stemming but most was in the shade so the heat wasn't too much of an issue. We did the first two silo crossings then dropped into the canyon and escaped the next couple potholes the traditional way, with potshot tosses and partner assists rather than stemming over them. Very fun way to do it. The first two big silos are pretty much required stem-overs, and the second is pretty serious and exposed... scary.

Upper Clear Creek - Whew, what a long drive! Very fun canyon section though. Medium/High water, wetsuits recommended for sure even though the canyon is shallow and it was hot as you are in the water a LOT. Many keeper pots, many jumps, a few hard escapes with only two of us, fun stuff.

Scorpion East - Shallow upper slot with medium-high stemming in the full sun. It was very hot! Dave and Penny opted to exit after the first section as stemming in the full sun for over an hour took its toll. The final slot from the rim looked similar, not really deep with stemming in the sun, although it may be better than that if you actually do it. A lot of pay for the play in my opinion... unless that final slot section we skipped is REALLY good. We used potshot anchors where the author suggests using a hook and g-pic. LOTS of sand and tree branches to bury for deadmen. Kelsey says there is no anchor material but for the creative there is stuff there for sure. Sandbags worked for us.

Also hiked 40-mile Canyon, WOW, what a special and beautiful place. Highly recommended!