Woodchuck Creek (San Juan Mountains)

Woodchuck Creek (San Juan Mountains) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving descenso de barrancos Barranquismo

The exploration of this location has not yet been documented All information is unverified estimation
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‌	Difficulty:‌3C II (v3a4 II) Swift water Raps:‌ Metric Overall: Descent:  ⟷0.3mi  ↓915ft No Red Tape:‌ Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:High Clearance
Location:	37.8027, -107.6173
Condition Reports:
Weather:
Best season:	Jul-Sep winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Colorado San Juan Mountains  Silverton

37.8027, -107.6173https://ropewiki.com/images/1/1d/Woodchuck_Creek_%28San_Juan_Mountains%29.kmltopo

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Reference photos

4 Sep 2014: Very Low. Water flow should not represent any danger (class B = a2). This canyon exhibits low water in late season

6 Jul 2014: Moderate-High. A bit high, quite challenging but not too dangerous (class C1+ = a4+).

6 Jul 2015: Very High. Dangerously high water, only for expert swift water canyoneers (class C3 = a6).

These reference pictures are used in the Waterflow analysis to predict current conditions. More reference pictures will produce a more reliable prediction.

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Introduction

A descent down a beautiful cascade when it has the right amount of water. In big snowpack years, aim for at least later in July. Try to get into this canyon before September in low snowpack years. This would be great to pair up with Arrastra in one day without having to move your vehicle.

Approach

Follow Country Road 2 East out of Silverton along the Animas River. Turn South on County Road 52 shortly out of town and cross the Animas River. There are several campsite locations along this road. Follow the road left when it forks slightly and take the hard 90 deg left at the top of a hill, then go right at the next intersection. Follow this road until it switchbacks sharply to go up toward Arrastra and Silver Lake. Park here. Driving up higher doesn't help for Woodchuck Creek and complicates turning around. In 2014, there was a rock too big to move in the middle of the road higher up.

Follow the old trail from the parking space toward Arrastra and hike up the old faint trail north of Woodchuck. You'll lose it here and there, but if you see where it's headed from where you've parked your car you'll be in good shape. When you get to the scree slope, cross it without gaining too much elevation. The trail continues on the opposite side; there's an overgrown bush that has blocked its view.

Old trail to the top of Woodchuck

Stop where you want to start your descent. There is a large mine tailing pile at the beginning of the technical section, however canyoneers may wish to start higher upstream. While not especially deep, there is a narrow slot that is easy to gain access to and may be fun to add to the adventure.

Descent

This descent has not been done yet.

Background

Incidents

Credits

Woodchuck Creek (San Juan Mountains)

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

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