Pothole Escape Tools

Mastering Pothole Escapes

Potholes and keeper potholes are natural depressions in canyons that can trap water, debris, or even canyoneers (unfortunately). Successfully “conquering” them requires specialized skills, tools, and teamwork. These obstacles test both problem-solving and physical abilities, making them a hallmark of advanced canyoneering.

Understanding the Unique Challenges:

Potholes: Bowl-shaped features that may hold water and require creative techniques to exit.

Keeper Potholes: Deeper and more challenging to escape, often with undercut edges or slick walls, designed to “keep” you inside.

Not all potholes are created equally! Each canyon that contains one (or many) will be uniquely different and challenging. Even when you go can affect the pothole situation (dry, filled-up after a rainstorm, or half-way full and can’t touch the bottom)

Essential Techniques:

Boosts and Partner Assists: Using team members to help climb out.

Pack Tosses: Throwing weighted packs over the pothole lip for leverage.

Deadman Anchors: Creating anchors using rocks, sand, or bags.

Mechanical Advantage Systems: Consider using pulleys to increase lifting power.

Key Gear/Tools:

• Potshot Bags: Fabric bags filled with sand or rocks for weight and thrown to create anchors.
  

• Ropes and Ascenders: For climbing out of deep potholes.
  

• Etriers (Ladders): Lightweight webbing steps for added height.
  

• Pulleys and Carabiners: To create haul systems for difficult exits.
  

• Wetsuits or Dry Suits: For prolonged exposure in cold water-filled potholes.
  

• Packraft or pool toys: Bringing a blowup pool toy would allow a person to float above the water.
  

Safety and Teamwork:

Pre-Plan Strategies: Assess obstacles and plan exits before committing.

Communicate Clearly: Ensure everyone understands the approach and gameplan.

Conserve Energy: Potholes can be exhausting! Use efficient techniques and rotate responsibilities.