Franklin Falls Ice Climbing

We set out for what was supposed to be a chill day of ice climbing at Franklin Falls. Conditions looked great with a week of continuously below freezing weather and pics on All Trails showed plenty of ice.

Once we arrived, two of us hiked up to the top, set up an anchor, and then rapelled down. We started to prepare to climb but shortly before beginning, the lower portion of ice collapsed, sending chunks tumbling down the waterfall. Thankfully we were all clear of the falling debris and no one was hurt. This was quite terrifying because if it happened 10 minutes earlier or later, we likely would have been directly under the collapse.

It was clear that conditions were more unstable than expected. We decided to call it a day rather than risk further icefall. It just goes to show, even top roping can be dangerous!