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Elk Flux

WI3, Trad, Ice, 150 ft (45 m), 2 pitches,  Avg: 4 from 1 vote
FA: January 2016 (Tristan Napotnik)
Virginia > Shenandoah & NW… > Shenandoah Vall… > Elkton Area Falls
Warning Access Issue: Cedar Falls is on Private Property DetailsDrop down

Description

Pitch one:
After following the creek to base of the obvious first fall, being P1. There is a large boulder resting on top of this fall, oriented in the middle. There is a great tree to use as an anchor just to the left of that boulder. The climbing is steep but straightforward. The steepest part of P1 is the last 15 feet.

Pitch two:
From the top of P1, you can easily see the 100' upper fall through the trees (approx. 50yds away up stream). From the base of the upper fall, you take the left route (which is essentially straight up from the center of the base). This route starts out low angle, but gets steeper the higher you go. The "crux" is the last 20' section, which gets close to vertical and narrows at the top.

Location

  • Private Property*
Permission MUST be granted prior to entering this area.

Protection

Short screws usually. Occasionally (rarely) the ice will form thick enough for a 20cm to comfortably drive in, but really anything 17 and under is ideal. Also, a couple sewn runners are great for tree anchors at the top of each fall.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Tristan Napotnik on FA of Cedar Falls (lower falls) via "Elk Flux," WI3<br>
Belayed by Aaron Napotnik
[Hide Photo] Tristan Napotnik on FA of Cedar Falls (lower falls) via "Elk Flux," WI3 Belayed by Aaron Napotnik
Tristan Napotnik on FA of Cedar Falls via "Elk Flux."<br>
3/4 of the way up the upper falls.
[Hide Photo] Tristan Napotnik on FA of Cedar Falls via "Elk Flux." 3/4 of the way up the upper falls.
Tristan Napotnik leading the lower fall
[Hide Photo] Tristan Napotnik leading the lower fall
Aaron Napotnik following up the last little bit on P2 of Elk Flux FA
[Hide Photo] Aaron Napotnik following up the last little bit on P2 of Elk Flux FA
Tristan Napotnik after an earlier attempt on the route. Conditions were too thin and broken up for a FA
[Hide Photo] Tristan Napotnik after an earlier attempt on the route. Conditions were too thin and broken up for a FA
Aaron Napotnik following P1
[Hide Photo] Aaron Napotnik following P1
Tristan Napotnik on the FA of "Elk Flux" - Upper falls.
[Hide Photo] Tristan Napotnik on the FA of "Elk Flux" - Upper falls.