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Psilocyborg
climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 21, 2015 - 01:11pm PT
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Who has been into the high country lately? I am planning to get out late april-early may for a week and wondering if I can get around with just a pair of micro spikes....if weather patterns hold of course.
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LuckyPink
climber
the last bivy
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Mar 21, 2015 - 04:46pm PT
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Just returned yesterday from the Mountaineers Route on Whitney. Got snowed on , thunder and lightning at Upper Boy Scout. The route was in perfect condition. Crampons and ice axe needed for early am ascent due to the very low temps in the couloir. The worst of the hard ice was actually on the south side of lone pine creek before the ledges due to multiple parties going up with guide service and a melt freeze cycle of mostly freeze. a good place for micro spikes. There is lots of snow in the basins and gullies that softens for a short time in the mid day. Take crampons, you will need them , take micros only as extra luxury for down low. Slabs are slick with hard ice.
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Psilocyborg
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 21, 2015 - 09:11pm PT
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Thanks for the replys guys...funny those two areas + taboose pass area are the ones I am looking at. Backup plan is NW yosemite...which looks fairly dry according to snow surveys....dont want to mess with icy conditions as I will be solo and not much experience on ice
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missjr
Trad climber
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Mar 22, 2015 - 08:07am PT
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These are photos from Taboose Pass and Kearsage Pass this past week. Taboose Pass is pretty much good to go already. Kearsage Pass was good to go yesterday as well, just a little postholing in the afternoon. You could climb Charlotte Dome right now.
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missjr
Trad climber
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Mar 22, 2015 - 08:11am PT
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Couple more from Kearsage 3/21/2015....
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rincon
climber
Coarsegold
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Mar 22, 2015 - 08:26am PT
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How depressing :(
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Brian
climber
California
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Mar 22, 2015 - 11:28am PT
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So, so grim.
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Climbnrok
Trad climber
LA
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Mar 22, 2015 - 04:36pm PT
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The Whitney portal road had the road closed sign up last Saturday, so we made plans for this weekend and drove out today to cycle up the closed road only to find it open and full of car traffic. There were a surprisingly large number of people up there. We ended up driving up and spending some time at the portal, which is also almost entirely snow free. Not just the roads, but the surrounding area as well. Crazy.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Mar 22, 2015 - 04:44pm PT
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Hey missjr, thanks for pics!
is there snow coverage on N face of Kearsarge? I have plans to try to ski it next weekend, but looks like I should maybe make different plans....
How about NE Gullies on Independence?
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missjr
Trad climber
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Mar 22, 2015 - 09:12pm PT
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I wouldn't recommend skiing up there. There was not enough snow on Independence Peak and not even consistent enough snow to ski down University Peak as an example. I looked up Sardine Canyon and the snowline would be a hike up to for sure. If you want to ski a short shot it may work but FYI its a rock skis affair. Honestly, the further north on 395 hwy there is a bit more snow. Had friends ride bikes up Tioga Pass and ski out of Saddlebag Lake the other day. However, at this point I've given up on skiing and am transistioning onto other activities.
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JOEY.F
Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
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Mar 22, 2015 - 09:48pm PT
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Thanks for the real everyone.
Can't seem to time High Country vacations anymore, used to be mid-July, now it's early May.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Mar 23, 2015 - 05:37am PT
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Anyone have a way to find out when Cal Trans will leave the lower gate in Lee Vining Canyon unlocked? I've had the good fortune of finding it that way on several occasions for ski tours up on the pass. Curious if there is any kind of policy ahead of the Tioga Pass road opening? I'd like to avoid riding my bike up carrying my skis, boots and gear.
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The Alpine
climber
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May 23, 2015 - 09:25am PT
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Season bump.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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May 23, 2015 - 01:46pm PT
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CalTrans says 120 is open. No restrictions.
Apparently not even for construction.
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Psilocyborg
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - May 23, 2015 - 04:17pm PT
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Heading on up to the east side in an hour or so....been looking between my pack and snow sensors waiting to head into the back country for a week. I am thinking 2-3 weeks of warm weather will be my cue
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F10
Trad climber
Bishop
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May 23, 2015 - 07:20pm PT
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Rained at the craft show in Bishop this afternoon, mountains are hidden in the clouds now.
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crankster
Trad climber
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May 24, 2015 - 08:49am PT
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Rain in No. Tahoe. Where was this in Jan?
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climbingcoastie
Ice climber
Sacramento, CA
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May 24, 2015 - 08:40pm PT
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Tried getting back to Bear Creek Spire yesterday. About 1-2 inches of slush in the parking lot. The main trail was pretty much snow free to Morgan Pass. Post holed basically from Gem Lake (11k) to Dade Lake (12.5) before hearing woomfing 3-4 times and turned around. Treasure Lakes and Dade was frozen over. About two and a half to three feet of snow at our turnaround point.
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