[Hide Comment] The first mantle broke off today while we were climbing. Possibly turned that section into a 10a, but still very similar to the rest of the route. Apr 18, 2021

[Hide Comment] This route needs to be removed from the wall. The first, second, and last bolt are all in loose blocks perched on top of loose blocks. Also, there’s a massive block/flake halfway up the wall that should have been pulled. From my experience in bolting/cleaning hundreds of routes, this route will kill someone.

Also, I’m not sure what OP means, but naming it after something that’s killed three million people is not too classy IMO. May 3, 2021

[Hide Comment] @Evan It's a play on "covert ops" and was put up during the summer of 2020, thus a statement about when it was done. No need to seek offense. May 3, 2021

[Hide Comment] @Evan: Welcome to Auburn Quarry. Took a look at the route today and the first mantle had mostly fallen off. To be sure this is concerning as it was seemingly very solid on the FA. The next bolt is in a giant block/flake that has been part of Sneaky for many years and doesn't appear moved/changed in any way. The last bolt is in a block that was impervious to removal attempts originally but others have dug around it and I cannot vouche for its security. Regardless, every route at this choss pile of a crag has had large things come off despite the best efforts of every FA team. Only time will tell. I have changed the protection rating of the route to "X" for the time being advising all to proceed at their own judgment and peril. Taking big whips on the bolts may lead to injury or tragedy. I would lead this only if I felt certain I would never fall until proven otherwise. Buyer Beware. Proceed at your own Risk. Caveat Emptor. Don't say I didn't warn you. May 4, 2021

[Hide Comment] Thanks for the note, it is assuring to hear there was attention towards the blocks. Bolting then letting it clean up over time is a new concept to me, but if people are cool with it, I guess it’s fine. If the blocks survived the rock bar and hammer, then I’d assume they have some years of safety before needing to be re-assessed with the rock-bar (easy enough).

I just remember when I used to be a local and the Quarry was closed because of the fatality, and worry of a repeat closure.

I’m not personally offended by names, and ideally no one would be truest offended, I just don’t think it’s the classiest of humor is all.. but not everything is meant to be classy. Time will tell what people think of the COVID/pandemic names. May 5, 2021

[Hide Comment] As much as I hate to say this, I think we need to do something more drastic to warn people of the danger of this route (or potentially even remove it). I was out there yesterday and a bunch of kids were leading that route. Since this is a crag filled with new and inexperienced climbers, and since many do not take the time to check MP, I'm quote sure most people who are climbing this route are not making an informed decision about the risk.

I don't want to be "that guy," but I do strongly feel we need to take greater caution to prevent another fatality like last April. Feb 21, 2023

[Hide Comment] I was enjoying the Auburn Quarry early this busy Saturday morning. My partner and I were on “Quirky” next door when a group on “Covid Ops” decided it was an excellent time to start trundling rocks. The clearly marked large loose rock with the X was knocked off by these wreckless climbers. This rock exploded into shrapnel onto my partner and I + the other 5-7 people at the base (thankfully no one was injured). Upon examining the fallen rock, they found multiple bats that had been roosted behind the rock. I know that loose rocks are extremely common here at Quarry, and it should be common sense, but…DO NOT TRUNDLE ROCKS AT A BUSY CRAG. These climbers are exactly who are threatening access to the quarry and areas like it. I agree with past comments about the danger of this particular climb. I think it is FAR too dangerous to be kept here due to the carelessness of the crowd this area attracts. Dec 9, 2023