Ouray Canyon Conditions

[AJ]

Hey all,

Was just out in Ouray this past weekend. Here's what we found:


Cascade: Water levels were around 3-4 CFS. Had two flashes run through while we were in it (it looked to jump up to around 8-10 CFS; but tossed a LOT of rocks with the water), so we bailed after the first 200' rap. Had to replace the anchor on the 200' rap; but it might have gotten trashed by the flashes, so go with plenty of anchor gear. We also used a retrievable on another drop. Both trailheads are easily accessible by any vehicle.


Full Oak: (Upper, Middle and Lower) Water levels were around 4-5 CFS. A few raps were in the flow, so some pretty good hits there. Not too bad, quite fun. The anchors were mostly in decent shape; we cleaned up one or two. We did a couple of retrievables, and there was one anchor that has some damage that may need to be replaced soon. Beware the big drop in the lower section. Mike warns that his rope got a core shot, and so did ours (ours was a Blue Water Canyon Pro DS too...) Bring good edge pro, and watch where you lay your rope. Ours got hit by a vertical edge, which was unexpected. The lower trailhead can be reached by any vehicle. The upper trailhead can be reached with a carefully driven Subaru; or HC/4wd is recommended. Took 4 of us around 12 hours for all 3 sections.


Bear/Quartzite: Water levels were around 5-6 CFS, and a few raps were in the flow, so some good hits there. Can be a smackdown for the underprepared. The anchors were in decent shape. There is one that soon may need some clean up, and another that we chose to use a retrievable on; so don't know the status of the regular anchor on that one. The exit hike wasn't that far, so we just parked our cars at the start of the hike (just after the tunnel.) Matt's group went in the day before, and he said the construction folks were okay with people walking across the bridge. We didn't talk to anyone regarding that, as we did it on Saturday and there was no construction going on. Took less than 7 hours for 4 of us.


Corbett: Water levels were around 3-4 CFS; so it was a great time to do the canyon. I'd recommend doing the main fork, rather than Mike's North Fork/Pryor entry. You would have to carry 300' of rope, but you wouldn't lose as much elevation (like you do by hiking down the ridge.) The anchors were interesting. There is definitely one V-thread anchor that should be replaced. I brought a section of 8mm rope, but it was too thick to replace the existing cord which had damage to the core. I cut the cord and re-tied it, but it's only a single overhand knot. Best to replace it with a 5mm-ish spectra cord. Matt also said the rope on the traverse (40-ish feet) to another V-thread is looking pretty bad and could be replaced. We used a completely different anchor, so didn't see that for ourselves. In my opinion (and Matt's), the canyon could use a few good bolts for a couple drops. With low water, definitely recommend taking the more fun anchors that put you in the watercourse... The trailhead can be reached by any vehicle. It took less than 7 hours for 3 of us.


Big thanks to Mike Dallin for all his efforts putting his book together! Definitely a great time!


Hope it helps!
A.J.