Sick for Sleeping

Description

Install an eight-bolt face climb on the west face of the Slab, 15 feet right of the existing climb Hippopotamus (5.10d).

Area

West face of the Slab, right of the Undertow Ledge

Detailed Description:

The proposed route is on the West Face of the Slab, 15 feet right of the existing climb Hippopotamus. It is a 75-foot 5.11c and has been redpointed on toprope. The route starts just right of the approach ledge to Undertow. At the ledge there is an obvious spot for a first bolt to protect the leader from a ground fall at the first 5.7 bulge (no opportunity for natural gear); since the initial application in June, this bolt has been repositioned such that the rope and belayer won’t hinder anyone crossing the lower ledge to access Undertow. Above this bolt there is a short section of low-angled rock and a second bolt protecting moderate climbing leading to a ledgy band and then the upper wall, where the 5.11 climbing begins in earnest.

The next 50 feet to the anchor uses 6 bolts, climbing with 5.11b/c moves past 3 bolts to a good rest and a fourth bolt, then an 11a/b crux past a final 2 bolts to a 2-bolt anchor.

This route will be a worthwhile addition to the West Face of The Slab, and the applicant proposes to use half-inch stainless-steel hardware. At 11c it fills in a gap for easier routes on a formation at present weighted toward 5.12/5.13 climbs. It climbs an independent line 15 feet away from the nearest route, Hippotamus (10d). The climbing is on mostly solid edges and pockets with aesthetic movement up a slightly overhanging section of tan and brown rock. The route needs minimal cleaning and the staging area is along the existing cliff-base trail.

Comments:

Yes, approve this new route.

FHRC Overview of the application: Complete

Voting Results: Approved

OSMP Decision: Pending