Survey Creek Falls

This is a high-volume flow formed where Survey Creek (the most obvious tributary directly beneath the massive dolomite butte of Copeman's Tomb) spills into Shell Creek. Due to the volume, extended cold temps would be necessary to see this climb build any substantial ice. On the FA, it was a delicate shell of ice that wouldn't be thick enough for screws. From Shell Creek, the first 15' cliff can be surmounted via several different steps, with several options to the left of the main falls offering the best ice. 80' or so of low-angle terrain brings one to the upper falls. This is best climbed on the left (to the side of the main water volume). Exit on a very thin sheet of low-angle ice to the right of the main spillway (open water) and into the trees. A pretty scrappy climb.

The climb is formed where Survey Creek spills into Shell Creek from the north (opposite Highway 14). Survey Creek is the obvious major tributary found directly beneath Copeman's Tomb, the prominent dolomite reef which towers above (and north of) the gorge a mile or so downstream from Brindle Falls and the Shell Falls visitor center. Refer to a topo map for the most accurate idea of where this is. There is a pullout on the north side of Highway 14 directly above where Survey Creek merges with Shell Creek. The upper part of the climb is visible from this pullout. Bushwhack down the steep hillside for 10 minutes to Shell Creek and cross on a nearby ice bridge to the base of the climb.

Stubbies, slings. Most of the climb isn't thick enough for screws.