Finley Creek Drainage Conditions 2012/2013

Submitted by Alec Sundet on Sat, 10/27/2012 - 12:30

Hey everyone,

With the wet cold weather hitting Missoula early this season, a couple friends and I hiked up into Finley to check on the current conditions.  Neither Weedeater nor Graineater were anywhere close to being in, although Graineater is certainly better off than Weedeater.  No pictures because there were no pictures worth taking.

I dry/moss tooled up Weedeater, cut the old anchor and replaced it with brand new cord.  The bright reddish orange cord is new for this season.  It's on the main rap tree and looped three times, connected with a rap ring and link; you can' t miss it.

- Alec

Ice is good to go in Finley.   The old anchor for the Graineater (tree stump) is no longer. We salvaged some of the better looking tat from the stump and moved the anchor up about ten feet to some heathly looking willows. 

If anyone is heading up to climb the Graineater be advised: If you are climbing the route in one pitch, be aware that 60 meter ropes are stretched out even from the upper belay stance. Also, someone more prepared than us might want to replace the achor with some new slings/webbing etc. The anchor at the belay cave may also need to be replaced (looked pretty bleeched as we rappelled by). 

BTW: I believe I left my green hardshell coat at the base of the route. If anyone is up there and grabs, I will gladly reward its return with beer. 

Thanks,

Ben

Thanks for the report! How was Fox's Corner does it have ice in it? Hope you get your jacket back.

Cheers

Jason

Graineater is looking like it won't form, or at least won't hit the ground. Weedeater is fine, though certainly not as fat as usual. Thing in Between is fine, and Leatherman is in enough for folks like Chris Gibisch to lead.
Missoula Area Ice Conditions