Visions of a quick romp up Hydrophobia were dashed yesterday by a tremendous amout of snow accumulation in the Waiparous Creek area.
We were able to drive until about 2 km after crossing Waiparous Creek itself, and were stopped at the steep turn onto the hill. From here we walked in 30-40 cm foot penetration up and through the meadow, until we started into the forest leading to the Hydrophobia drainage itself. Then it became average 70-100cm of postholing, no sign of old trail. After 4 hours we collapsed with the route in sight, ate all our lunch and walked out. 7 hr day of hiking.
Huge puddles on the drive out, some 40cm deep. This last month of upslope storms has clearly added up out here, and it seems that this place will come apart when the spring melt truly begins.
Oh yeah, the route looked awesome. First pitch big, fat and blue.
Will's website has excellent beta on access via Waiparous.
http://www.gravsports.com/Ice%20Pages%20Folder/hydrophobia_beta.htm
Grant Statham
Mountain Guide
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