Imlay conditions and lost rope

[bhalvers2002]

Our team of 3 did Imlay via Left Sneak Friday April 17 (4 hours from Grotto), bivvying at the crossroads, and completed the final rap into the Narrows at 2:30 pm (6.5 hours technical section). We did this route exactly a year ago which required no hooking. This year water level was 4-5 feet LOWER and required 2 hook outs (one at big bertha?, other in 2nd narrows about 5 raps from end). Stopped counting pack tosses once it hit the teens. Anchors in good shape.


Air temp was 40s when started and likely in 60s+ when finished. Water was cold, but I was warm in 5 mm suit with 3 mm hooded vest and 3 mm extra bottom layer, 5 mm socks and gloves. One in our group had a bit less and was cold various times.


One mishap - we left a 60 ft rope likely at open section between both major narrow sections. If someone is thru and hauls it out, would much appreciate if we could arrange a return.


Pics and more extensive report to follow. I don't think veterans of this canyon would label this "hard" mode, but it is trending that direction in the absence of more rain.

[qedcook]

Bump... Any pics? We might go soon, so it'd be nice to see a preview of the required escapes.