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Snow climbs late May

PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 5:26 am
by metal4lyf
Hi,

My dad and I climbed Whitney MR last Memorial weekend. The snow was great, so I figured we'd come back for more this year. Planned for the NE couloir on Langley. Then I heard California too has had an unseasonably dry winter. So I'm wondering, ...

1) What are the odds of there being any snow in that couloir late May?
2) Anyone have recent photos of it?
3) Any other snow climbs that could be in?
4) If there's no hope we won't bother with the snow gear and do some scrambling instead. Our goal is two 14ers with two full days at our disposal. Any recommends?

Thanks!
michael

Re: Snow climbs late May

PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 7:39 pm
by zoomloco
I doubt it will be dry. Might not be excellent snow conditions though. If you're ok with steep snow morphing (marginally) to ice, I'd recommend the palisades. Or, Shasta is a CA 14er that will still have snow at that time, though granted not in the sierra.

Re: Snow climbs late May

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 8:53 pm
by Guyzo
Got a good look at Langley last weekend, snow is still there. It's still winter, we are getting rain in LA today with more in forecast.

One of my personal favorites is "Diamond pk." really nice snow chutes on NE side with some 3rd class rock to the top.

Also lots of climbing up in Tuttle crk.... no permit hassle.

Have fun.

Re: Snow climbs late May

PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 9:16 pm
by ExcitableBoy
Another vote for Shasta. I climbed Casaval Ridge, a very enjoyable route, over Memorial Day weekend under good conditions although I understand this is usually late for this route.

Re: Snow climbs late May

PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:50 am
by drpw
avoid tuttle creek if there's no snow. the couloir is super dirty and not fun when it's dry. we went up it earlier in january when it was almost totally dry still and it was lame.

Re: Snow climbs late May

PostPosted: Mon May 21, 2012 3:59 pm
by metal4lyf
Hi, thanks for the replies! Shasta is on the list, but unfortunately it's a bit far to drive from Vegas.

We'll be heading to Owens Valley on Friday.

Has anyone seen the NE couloir on Langley recently? Thanks!

Re: Snow climbs late May

PostPosted: Wed May 23, 2012 12:34 am
by metal4lyf
Thanks. Any photos? I think I've been spoiled by the glut of TRs and conditions reports for peaks here in CO (on 14ers.com). Is there a similar resource for the Sierras that I haven't discovered?