An ice, moss, snow ramp, leads to a smear that leads to a mixed dihedral.
Location
Approach as for the route The Coal Room. Very fickle. Seen after the tub, before the boulder overhanging a paved, parking pullout on the left. Approach with a cool but short drip on the vertical road cut down canyon from the parking. Traverse left above the road cut, and then up and left on snow to the base of the left leaning ramp below the smear.
Protection
Small and very small cams, wires, slider nuts; and at least a #0.5 and #1 Camalot; one or two stubbies. Two-bolt anchor up and right.
Hats off to McCorkle and Kleker. I have eyed this rarely formed gem since 1991. It has only come in 2-3 times since and very thin, but this year is a banner year. It was on my list for next week to get at if it lasted. Correct me if I'm wrong, basically this is the rock route Coal Room with ice smeared over it, correct??? Aaron, if you don't want to recommend the Big T ice to others, that's fine with me. These rare formed gems can be saved for the locals if you disuade others to come try them. allen
Aaron J., yes, I enjoyed this climb as much as the climbs you mentioned. Those climbs in The Park can be climbed just about any winter (I don't believe anyone would really compare an ice climb in the Big T to one in the RMNP). I believe I met you at the parking spot yesterday, the day we did the climb. Unless you climbed it after us, in the dark, or went up today, my guess is you haven't climbed it.
Posting statements that have little if any reference might just be the definition of misleading.
Allen, thanks, and you are correct regarding the location. Let's hope for a continuation in this weather pattern.
Two brief comments: 1) Steve did an excellent job leading this. It is sporty with pro not as good as most would like. Be careful! 2) Though neither long nor strenuous, the climbing at the crux is more technical than either Secret Probation or Little Thang in Vail. M5 seems a bit light for the grade. (The pro at the crux is good.) Enjoy!
Peace Break looks awesome-Way to go fellows, Climbing in BTC is amazing and when things like this come in it is a rare treat. Hats off to the both of you. Allen.....we missed our window for the FA!! There's still more to be had though.
Aaron-continue to not recommend the BTC. For years, folks have been overlooking and bashing the BTC. This is OK. To a few of us this area is a beautiful place to climb and explore.
Big Thompson Canyon Ice
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