Big Butch Wash is the main wash that leads from Thunder Mountain to Manker Flats. It offers a route of ascent to Thunder Mountain's summit, instead of walking up the service road from Baldy Notch.

Big Butch Wash is the prominent gulch across the road from the start of San Antonio Falls Road, north of Manker Flats.

The talus makes for an easier ascent than most other gullies in the area, giving you more to grab onto. In a good winter, this area is frequented by sledders to a certain elevation, and avalanches also help compact the snow. In drier winter conditions (less snow), it is suggested that you stick to the south (left) side of the couloir, as this area has smaller rocks and gives you less of a chance of twisting or rolling an ankle.

The fun part of this wash comes in a good winter, when there is some level of hard snow and alpine ice in the couloirs feeding the gully from the ridgetop.

Lightning Couloir as a storm comes in

Getting There

Park at the Manker Flats parking area alongside the road, near the entrance to San Antonio Falls Road (Baldy Road). From there, proceed directly to the wash, and have at it.

Route Description

This route is a nice and easy climb up. The gulch itself terminates at Miner's Bowl, where there is a reservoir used for snow production at the Baldy Ski Facility.

Before reaching that area, where the couloir turns directly north, there are other tributary couloirs that lead directly east. Ascent of these couloirs requires an ice axe, crampons, and helmet.

Essential Gear

Dry seasons:
Trekking poles help with the talus.

Winter:
Ice axe, crampons, helmet. Rope, rappel gear, pickets, etc optional.

There may be a stream flowing down the wash in winter and early Spring. In dry seasons, this wash is dry.

External Links

Baldy Notch Weather Data

Looking down from the Start of Lightning Couloir, into BBW

Images