Madison, Gallatin, Absaroka Archives

Trevor and I climbed the Black Gully today. The climb was in good shape with decent but thin ice throughout much of the upper half, and with bad rotten ice down low. The entire climb protected well with a rack of cams to #3, and a few short screws.

I'm just curious if things have gotten better or worse up pine creek in the last couple weeks. Also has anyone been up Mission creek recently. I would love an update.

We climbed Blue Gully last friday (Jan. 6) and the route was in pretty good shape. The ice on the upper third was starting to go, however. cheers, seth

Climbed the green gully on 1/6. The climb is fully in although it is not quite as fat as seen in the winter dance book. Also there was evidence of slides rolling off above the climb (something to keep in mind with new snow). The ice was solid and there had appeared to be three other groups that climbed before me (screw holes). Best of luck josh

If, like me, you lack adequate transportation for Hyalite, Ousel Falls is a convenient, "quick and dirty" alternative. The left pillar is bigger than usual (more like a fat curtain). The centre pillar and right hand flows are in their normal fat shape. Although short, the climbs are steep and can provide a decent workout (you should be prepared to build v-threads). Additionally, we noticed that Yellow Mule (if I remember the name correctly) is in.

Had a wonderful climb in the rain yesterday! Blue and Green Gullies are in good shape. Blue was a little rotten and thin in the middle section. Didn't climb Green, but it looks great. Walked up to Pine Creek Falls. Lots of water on the left side. The first pitch of the falls route looked good. Lots of wet rock showing! There is a large tree blown down across the road at the cattle guard before the campground. This adds about 15 min on to the hike in. There's only room for about 6 cars in a small pullout near the blowdown. More parking farther down the road. -T

Does anyone know what the road to the Pine Creek Trailhead is like?

I happened to fly over Yellowstone Park yesterday and Silver Cord is in big. It would be great - if you can figure out how to get to there. That is, how many ice climbers own 4-stroke snowmachines? The polluting 2-strokes are no longer allowed.... Good luck. JoJo There is a description of the route posted on my web site at http://www.firstascentpress.com/add_info.html

Pete Tapley and I got a good dose of Pine Creek on Saturday. Incubus/Succubus is looking better than it has in a few years although the icicle needs more mass to survive anyone touching it. It's wet but hard to say if the it's cold enough to keep growing. If you do end up on Succubus and looking for the second bolt, Pete found it several hundred meters down the slope still attached to the big block into which it was drilled. It also looks like another key crack for a camming unit has also gone the way of the buffalo. We did both Green and Blue.

Walked up trail on Sunday (Nov. 6). Photo was taken approx. 4 pm. Thought i may save a few peeps the trip up. Unless you like what you see in the photo. [img]http://montanaice.com/forums/user_images/gullies1.jpg[/img][/img]