Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

Regional discussion and conditions reports for the Golden State. Please post partners requests and trip plans in the California Climbing Partners forum.
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Deb

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Deb » Tue Dec 17, 2013 6:49 am

I've been finding from Bishop to June Lake snow conditions are frustrating. Very dry with deep drifts, even with the recent warm weather. More cold weather and winds with the snow coming this week. Hmmmm

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Greg Enright

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Greg Enright » Wed Dec 18, 2013 6:56 am

Here's a pic of Horsetail Falls near June Lake from this morning. Looks like Parker Canyon has some ice also.

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Deb

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Deb » Wed Dec 18, 2013 7:24 am

OK Greg, I've got new picks and I'm warmed up on post-holing. Let's go!

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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Clydascope » Sun Dec 22, 2013 5:35 pm

Check out what the Mammoth Weather Dweeb thinks about the lack of snow...

http://mammothtimes.com/content/mostly- ... -end-month

“It’s not good, it’s horrible,” he said. “It’s as bad as it can get by this time of year.”

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ExploreABitMore

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by ExploreABitMore » Sun Dec 22, 2013 5:45 pm

Clydascope wrote:Check out what the Mammoth Weather Dweeb thinks about the lack of snow...

http://mammothtimes.com/content/mostly- ... -end-month

“It’s not good, it’s horrible,” he said. “It’s as bad as it can get by this time of year.”


Aren't we doing better than the last two years, though?

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Clydascope

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Clydascope » Sun Dec 22, 2013 6:11 pm

Last year in December Mammoth Mountain reported almost 150"

The year before was 57"

So far this year for December only 24.5"

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schaffner

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by schaffner » Wed Dec 25, 2013 8:56 pm

Thinking about heading out to Williamson/Tyndall over New Year's. Has anybody been in that area recently or anywhere comparable who would have some information on the snow? We hoped to get along without snowshoes.

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Deb

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Deb » Thu Dec 26, 2013 7:56 am

PFFFT! Hope you really enjoy twisting your ankles in loose styrofoam for 12 miles! I've been over 11,000' in the past week and the snow conditions are horrendous. Very very dry heavily faceted flakes; a major pain in the ass over boulders (and I am no pussy). This is NOT a good time to go BC for climbing a mtn more than Class 1, especially on northern aspects. Should I bother to mention ice?

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schaffner

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schaffner

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by schaffner » Thu Dec 26, 2013 7:17 pm

Thanks for the clear advice!

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Deb

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Deb » Thu Dec 26, 2013 8:03 pm

schaffner wrote:Thanks for the clear advice!

I don't mean to piss on your parade, but as I just drove by Willy/Tyndall and it looks treacherous indeed. You'd get slaughtered on the way to the pass then be faced with snow and ice covering rock/slab. I'm sure driving to the trailhead is no problem though. :)

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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by ExploreABitMore » Sat Dec 28, 2013 5:52 pm

Clydascope wrote:Last year in December Mammoth Mountain reported almost 150"

The year before was 57"

So far this year for December only 24.5"


Wow didn't realize it was that low. Guess we're possibly looking at a 3rd dry year in a row :(

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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Tullymt » Sun Dec 29, 2013 12:27 am

So Depressing...I was looking forward to spending New Years in the Palisades...Guess I'll just save my vacation days and wish for snow... Anyone know what St Jean Couloir on Split looks like right now?

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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Clydascope » Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:09 am

^This is close, the Thumb on the left, Mount Sill on the right, as it looked a few days ago...

Image

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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by JoeG » Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:46 pm

Does anyone know if Onion Valley Road west of Independence is currently open to the trailhead?

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Deb

 
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Re: Eastern Sierra snow condition updates?

by Deb » Fri Jan 03, 2014 6:32 am

JoeG wrote:Does anyone know if Onion Valley Road west of Independence is currently open to the trailhead?

I've never seen a gate on that road. You just drive as far as your balls allow you. :) Wouldn't be surprised if you could drive all the way up. The heavily faceted snow on NE to NW slopes is keeping me out of the mountains. What a pain in the ass!

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