First Pitch of Classic Moab Route Collapses
The classic desert route Jahman had its first few pitches collapse in January. Local climbers were quick to establish a new start where the pitches had fallen off. The route climbs the southeast face of Sister Superior in Castle Valley. Climbing guide Gaar Lausman said, “Crew of four locals, Mark Howe, Jake Warren, Dave Sadof and myself reclaimed Jahman. We established three new pitches that link into the original line. The new climb is fairly clean, fun and engaging.” The new route adds a 5.12b/c pitch, which ups the grade quite a bit from the original 5.10. The top of the new third pitch ends on a natural ledge and joins the original route. Mark Howe said, “Unstable and actively settling. Spontaneous rock sliding in the impact area is occurring and continuing over the rock band below the base.”