Canyoneering Rating System
Canyon Rating System
Canyons on this web site are rated using the Canyoneering Rating System (CRS). The
rating is divided into four parts. The Technical Class indicates the technicality of
the terrain and the type of rope work required. The Water Rating indicates the
complications due to flowing or still water. The Risk Rating indicates the presence
of additional risk factors. The Grade indicates the estimated time required to
complete the adventure.
TECHNICAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Canyon Hiking: Non-technical, no rope
required. Hiking mostly on established routes. Involves some scrambling with the
occasional use of hands.
2 - Basic Canyoneering: Scrambling, easy vertical
or near vertical climbing and/or down-climbing. Rope recommended for hand lines, belays,
lowering packs and possible emergency use. Exit and/or retreat possible without ascending
fixed ropes. Scrambling requires the use of hands and arms for pulling yourself up.
3 - Intermediate Canyoneering: Technical
canyoneering and climbing. Route may involve any combination of the following:
Problem-solving. A basic knowledge of technical climbing. Rope and climbing hardware for
single-pitch rappels and belays. Basic pothole escape techniques. Obvious natural anchors.
Retreat up canyon will require ascending fixed ropes.
4 - Advanced Canyoneering: In addition to
intermediate canyoneering skills, you will require one or more of the following skills:
Advanced free climbing or high stemming. Difficult and/or exposed down-climbing. Climbing using direct aid.
Multi-pitch rappels. Complex rope work. Obscure or indistinct natural anchors. Advanced
problem-solving and anchor-building. Advanced pothole escape techniques.
WATER Volume / Current
A - Normally dry or very little water. Dry falls.
B - Normally has water with no current or light
current. Still pools. Falls dry or running at a trickle.
C - Normally has water with strong current.
Waterfalls.
RISK / SERIOUSNESS
No Rating: Normal risk factors are present on this
adventure.
R - Risky: One or more extraordinary risk factors
exist that could complicate the descent. Solid technical skills and sound judgment are
critical.
X - Extreme: Multiple risk factors exist that will
complicate the descent. Errors in technique or judgment will likely result in serious
injury or death. Descent should only be attempted by expert canyoneers.
GRADE
I - Short. A couple of hours.
II - Requires about a half day.
III - Requires most of a day.
IV - Expected to take a long day. Get up early,
bring a headlamp. Possible bivy.
V - More than one day. Normally done in two days.
VI - Two full days or more.
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Yosemite Decimal System
Climbing Rating System
Climbs on this web site are rated using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). The rating
is divided into three parts. The Technical Class indicates the technicality of the climb.
The YDS rates a pitch according to the most difficult move on it. A route may be
divided into several pitches of varying degrees of difficulty. The Risk Rating
indicates the presence of additional risk factors. The Grade indicates the estimated
time required to complete the adventure.
TECHNICAL CLASSIFICATION
Class 1 - Walking and hiking, generally, hands are
not needed.
Class 2 - Hiking, mostly on established trails
involving some scrambling with occasional use of hands.
Class 3 - Climbing or scrambling with moderate
exposure. Angle steep enough that hands are needed for balance.
Class 4 - Intermediate climbing with exposure
extreme enough that most mountaineers will want a belay. A fall could be serious or fatal.
Intermediate climbing requires the use of your hands and arms for pulling yourself up.
Class 5 - Technical rock climbing is encompassed
in Class 5 climbing. A rope, specialized equipment and training are used by the
leader to protect against a fall.
5.0-5.4: A person of reasonable fitness can climb
at this level with little or no rock climbing skills.
5.4-5.7: Requires rock climbing skills or
strength.
5.7-5.9: Good rock climbing skills and strength
are generally needed to climb at this level.
5.10-5.14: Excellent rock climbing skills are
required to climb at this level.
Class 6 - Rock so shear and smooth that it is
unclimbable, without the use of aid.
RISK / SERIOUSNESS
No Rating - Normal risk factors are present on
this climb.
PG-13 - Protection is adequate; if properly placed
a fall would not be too serious.
R - Protection is considered inadequate; there is
a potential for a long fall, and a falling leader would take a hard wipper, possibly
suffering injuries.
X - Inadequate or no protection; a fall would be
very serious and perhaps fatal.
GRADE
I - Short. A couple of hours.
II - Requires about a half day.
III - Requires most of a day.
IV - Expected to take a long day. Get up early,
bring a headlamp. Possible bivy.
V - More than one day. Normally done in two days.
VI - Two full days or more. |