A group of us from Las Vegas are planning to attempt Mt. Langley on May 14-15. We'll bring along ice axes and crampons, and possibly some additional gear. Has anyone taken any photos of New Army Pass, Old Army Pass, or Winter Pass lately?

In June 2010, we camped near Cottonwood Lake #4. Then on the second day, we ascended the steep snow chute leading to Old Army Pass. We left our crampons at the pass and headed for the summit. We did bring along ice axes for crossing some snowfields near the peak.

Don't listen to me, as I'm from the neighboring state of AZ.

But ... my reliable sources tell me there's more snow in the Sierra (this year) than you can shake an ice axe at.

Looks like we'll have to bring along snowshoes this year. In June 2010, we didn't need snowshoes, although we did use ice axes and crampons on the snow chute up to Old Army Pass.

Has anyone been on Horseshoe Meadows Road recently? I'm hoping that we can drive to within a couple of miles of the trailhead.

I have a patient in LP tomorrow. I'll check on the gate status, or you could call the IAVC in LP. (760)876-6222

Thanks, MooseTracks. It took me a few seconds to figure out what IAVC is, but I have stopped by there several times over the last 15 years. I'll try calling them within the next few days.

Well, as of this evening, the gate is still locked at the bottom of the hill. Lots of sand has washed over the road and the cleanup has begun. Lots of lupine and Indian paintbrush, and be careful of the "sticks" on the sides of the road...

(OK, it was less than 12" long but it was my first rattler sighting of the year and I still jumped over Owens Lake... ... )

Whitney Portal Road is open clear to the top, though. I'll double check with Doug tonight to see if The Store is open yet. Mmm... Moose Burger... nom nom nom nom...

Went up Tuttle creek last weekend. Snow started at about 9'000, firm in the morning and mashed potatoes in the afternoon.

Thanks for the updates. I've started looking at backup plans, in case the road is still closed on May 13. There's a topic on this forum called "Eastside road conditions" which I've been checking once in a while.

On Friday, I called the Inyo County Road Department, and they told me that it's unlikely that Horseshoe Meadows Road will be open by May 13. I've heard that the roads to Glacier Lodge and Onion Valley are open. Can anyone recommend a good two-day snow climb in those areas? Maybe Kearsarge Peak?

We have a group of ten hikers. About half of the group has significant experience (Rainier, Shasta, winter Whitney, etc.). The other half are strong hikers, but haven't done any major snow climbs.

Mescalito345 wrote:A group of us from Las Vegas are planning to attempt Mt. Langley on May 14-15. We'll bring along ice axes and crampons, and possibly some additional gear. Has anyone taken any photos of New Army Pass, Old Army Pass, or Winter Pass lately?

In June 2010, we camped near Cottonwood Lake #4. Then on the second day, we ascended the steep snow chute leading to Old Army Pass. We left our crampons at the pass and headed for the summit. We did bring along ice axes for crossing some snowfields near the peak.

Just wondering if you went? I'm not heading up till mid June, none the less still curious of new army pass snow amount. Called Inyo NF today, said road to horseshow meadow is open.

Horseshoe Meadows Road was still closed on May 13, so our group headed for Little Lakes Valley (near Mammoth Lakes) instead. I didn't go on the trip, but here's a link to some photos that my friends took:

http://www.meetup.com/LasVegasMountaineersClub/photos/1488371/

Hello , i just would like some possible predictions for that area(cottonwood lakes trailhead) heading up over new army pass, mt langley, and on over guyot pass and up to trail crest..since i have a back pack trip planned for July 22-27 to Mt Whitney. I have been following summit post since january on this trip i have planned, due to the heavy snowfall this year. Any possible info on this..or is it still too soon?? Anything on this would be great, thanks.

Now that summer has a arrived, anyone been up the cottonwood lakes trail to New Army Pass? Takeing a wild guess... Still pretty solid snow cover? Have plans to take my wife up to Langley next weekend but more than likely going to pass unless someone posts otherwise. It would be great to here if the trail is melted out.
Thanks
Aaron

Not sure about conditions, but at least Horseshoe Meadows road was opened this week.