Rating: WI5+
Length: 3 pitches
This route consists of three ice pitches separated by periods of snow in moderate angle gullies. The ice pitches are steep with the terrain being 85-90 degrees.
FA:
Anchor/Descent: Be prepared to V-thread to rappel off of this route.
Lat:
Long:
Hike from the road approximately 0.50 miles to the base of the route.
Send us your video of this climb.
It was early April, I think, when Roman and I drove from Fairbanks to Sukapak for the 2nd ascent. We’d coveted the 1st, of course, but Eric Breitenberger and Keith Echelmeyer scooped us the week before, naming the route appropriately, though I’d have suggested “Grand Theft”, such were my proprietary feelings toward the route, which I’d spied while driving to the Toolik Lake research station, the prior December. But I’d have enjoyed doing the same if our positions were reversed.
Carl, are you claiming a different name and first ascent on this route? Help us get it right.
I am just again on this page, a year and a half later. No, I am not suggesting a different name, simply commenting on the small drama surrounding the FA, or at least it was a small drama to R. Dial and myself, and a sweet, claim-jumping raid by Keith and Eric. Touche, and good on them.