Bealey’s Black Canyon v4a2III

35m

Public access

5hrs

Bealey River is a steep alpine descent. Anchors are mostly bolted; however, be prepared to replace anchors. The rock is fractured and loose in all parts as the area is subject to multiple large avalanches in winter off the side of Mt Rolleston. Leave any descent later in the season to let the avalanche debris melt, and in some years, the snow doesn’t melt.

WARNING: It’s an avalanche chute in winter. It has loose rocks and sharp edges. NOT RECOMMENDED.

First descent by Grant Prattley, James Abbot, Nola Colie and Victor Mendes, Jan 2019.

An up-to-date Topo is available from HERE.



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  1. Christian Miller says:

    Couldn’t do the canyon because the whole gorged in section of stream below the last pitch is entirely covered in snow and ice, the water is running through a maybe ~200m long ice cave. Unlikely to be safely passable but you could maybe find a way out before the ice by climbing up the side if you scouted a route before starting the canyon. I doubt it will melt enough to follow the stream until very late season if at all.

    • Date -16/01/2023
    • Water level -normal
    • Anchor conditions -next group needs to do repair/replacement
    • Group size -
    • Time: approach/descent/return (eg: 1hr/4hrs/3mins) -

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