Weekend Outlook for SWPA ice climbing

Laura and I went out yesterday to climb a little and check local ice.  Here's a photo recap and suggestions for those seeking to climb the best conditions that SWPA has seen so far this season.

South Connellsville Rod and Gun Club

On most years this small privately owned crag forms up some of the best mixed climbing in SWPA.  Its always high on my "hit list" when formed up.  Current conditions have rarities "in" and ready for takers.  It's been a number of years since I've seen these mixed lines look like this.  The classic ice lines of NRA, Cave Shot, and Double Barrel need a couple more days of  cold to bring them "in".  The mixed lines Internet Connection, Alpine Ascent Gully, Cocked and Loaded as well as others are all in good shape.  They look at least as good as when the lines were first climbed.  New water routes and the recent cold snap has formed up some new unclimbed M lines that will help ease the pain of our dismal season.  

This 50M line really caught our eye

Another new formation for 2013

Internet Connection climbs up the center of the photo

Laura below Skymonkey and Internet Connection

Mixed options galore with Skymonkey and Internet Connection on R end.

L to R Cave Shot, NRA, Double Barrel

New untouched lines on the Pistol Whipped Wall

Meadow Run and Ohiopyle State Park

Here's some photos of Lower Meadow Run.  Its really not "in", but top rope options do exist.  Please take care not to destroy barely touched down pillars.  As usual the mixed lines are looking good for ascents at any time.  Hemlock will go as will the Main Flow.  An easy to get to crag with easy rigging.  A good option this weekend.

We didn't check Upper Meadow, but I'd bet it has top rope lines to be done.

Victoria Flats would most likely have ice in the Gullies.

The always fun bolted "ice" climb Winter Dutchman at Schoolhouse wall would be a good shot to try as well.

Laura below Anger Management at Lower Meadow Run

Irishtown

There are some climbs in at Irishtown as well.  The Prow is in pretty good shape, Mouth of Madness is out.  We climbed Dynamite yesterday and found the topout to be thin despite its appearance.  Dirty T is in really good shape, with bolts possibly hiding under the new ice.

Dynamite at Irishtown

SWPA has some ice to be climbed.  Better than these areas have seen thus far this season!  Hope this helps those of you looking for climbs in SWPA this weekend...