David Johnson and Myself had planned to head to Strobach Moutain on Saturday but the heavy snow, extreme avi hazard and pass closure shut that down. We decided to delay for our trip for two days and headed up there on Monday. We did the long ski tour approach (6 miles) very early on Monday morning (4:30am depart trailhead) to attempt the first ascent of “2nd on the Left” (AKA “Unholy Baptism” as nick named by Alex Krawarik). We climbed the 1st pitch (WI 4) and I started up the 2nd pitch pulling the first move or two in the crux section before deciding the ice was too rotten and the climb structurally unsound and retreated. It looks doable in the photos but the crux section is very hollow, rotten and delicate. The crux section is probably WI 5+.
David Johnson approaching the objective on skis.
View of Rimrock lake and scenery
The objective; “2nd on the Left” AKA “Unholy Baptism” from a couple of perspectives
The 2nd pitch from a couple of perspectives
Me leading the 1st pitch
Retreating from the just below the crux on the 2nd pitch
The motherlode area
David pauses on his skis as we depart the area. "Drop Line" (WI 5, 2p) is visible in the background.
Telephoto picture of the motherlode area taken from the north shore of Rimrock Lake.
