I.W.M.M. Introduction
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I.W.M.M. Introduction

Rating: 4-C3 R II *****
Time: 5-6 hours
Season: Low: July-Sept Norm: Aug-Sept High: Sept (Maybe)
Number of Raps: 4
Longest Rap: ~115ft
Gear: 2x 200ft rope, 100ft webbing, 4 rapides, wetsuit, neoprene gloves, technical canyoneering gear
Rubber: At least 4mm/3mm. 5mm or more recommended under most conditions. The water is very cold!
Hazards: This is a white water canyon. You MUST check the flow in the canyon before committing. Dealing with the flow requires solid swift water canyoneering technique. Be prepared to use guided rappels to overcome dangerous waterfalls and difficult hydraulics. There is also some rock fall hazard in the middle section of this canyon. 		Vehicle: Passenger car
Car Shuttle: About 1.4mi
Approach: 1/8mi
Exit: 1.25mi

 

Introduction:

I.W.M.M. is a serious swift water canyon that holds many technical challenges for the experienced canyoneer. Set in the High Sierra, I.W.M.M.’s challenge is matched by its spectacular beauty. During a descent of I.W.M.M. you will be pummeled by intense waterfalls, challenged to avoid dangerous hydraulics and treated to some really magnificent High Sierra views. The technical section of I.W.M.M. is relatively short but the challenges are real. Solid leadership with a good understanding of swift water canyoneering is a must. This is no place for beginners!

 


All the water in I.W.M.M. flows naturally through the canyon. In a normal year, all this water flows through I.W.M.M. in spectacular fashion for most of the summer. It is an awe-inspiring sight to look at the canyon in this condition but it would be very dangerous to attempt a descent under high flow. Depending on the snowpack, the flow through I.W.M.M. will subside somewhat during mid to late summer, opening a window for descents. In big snow years this window may never open. Pushing the limits in I.W.M.M. is a very dangerous proposition and cannot be recommended in any way.

Full route descriptions with driving directions, canyon play-by-plays and more are available to Sierra Canyons members. Membership to the site is by invitation. Sierra Canyons members can invite new members or from time to time you may request an invitation from the site adminstrators. You may ask members for an invitation on the forums or check the sidebar for invitation requests.