Industrial Wall Anchor Maintenance Recap
August 30 - September 4 / 9 routes replaced
Little Cottonwood Canyon: Industrial Wall
Recap by Anchor Maintenance Coordinator, Andrew Brodhead
During the hottest days of the summer, the anchor maintenance crew ventured into an often forgotten aside canyon in Little Cottonwood. Around the corner from Pentapitch and past the Waterfall crag, is home to a tranquil, ferngully like zone called Industrial Wall. This area is home to some multiple sport routes. The wall only really sees a few hours of sunlight a day, making it perfect for the next heat wave.
The crew found a mix of older hardware that included washer stacked anchors, rusted Leeper hangers and an assortment of homemade equipment. The crew was able to replace 9 routes, including anchors, going 100% hole for hole on the lead bolts. This hardwear was updated with a mix of ClimbTech and Fixe stainless steel glue ins. In total, 80 aging bolts were replaced with modern stainless steel glue ins.
Rock climbing is an inherently dangerous activity and we encourage anyone who participates to obtain the appropriate education and training in order to minimize accidents. We also encourage participants to consult resources including but not limited to guiding outfitters, SAR, Utah Avalanche Center, ranger stations, and weather reports. Nevertheless and although tragic, accidents can happen even when the participants have the proper training and have consulted authorities on conditions. Participants in outdoor climbing are assuming a risk, just as they do in skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, or other outdoor activities. Anchors once maintained by the SLCA are not guaranteed to be in the same state or condition as when they were maintained.