Potential Routes into Long Valley Drainage

[wb]

Hello ~

We're working on a trek into the Long Valley drainage and would appreciate any input on potential routes. We currently have three routes, but one of the three is a descent from the top down the ridge south of Long Valley drainage, which isn't a safe consideration presently. I don't know how to upload photos onto this page... the routes currently being considered are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/wb104475/LongValley#

I can email a kmz file if that is of interest. Advice, comments, alternatives, suggestions are welcome. PMs also welcome.

Thanks![/url]

[guest]

Hey Wes,
As you know, there's snow up there now, although the south faces don't hold as much.
I've been down one of the ridges just south of Long Valley drainage, it is very steep, lots of big dead-fall, and it's easy to dislodge good size rocks, which go tumbling down the chutes at break-neck speed.

This was to check out the possibility of avoiding the traverse on Skyline in winter, but it proved way to gnarly.

Keep me posted on this, I know a couple guys & me who find this intriguing.

[wb]

Hey Wes,
As you know, there's snow up there now, although the south faces don't hold as much. I've been down one of the ridges just south of Long Valley drainage, it is very steep, lots of big dead-fall, and it's easy to dislodge good size rocks, which go tumbling down the chutes at break-neck speed.

<wb> Agreed. Ice is a problem in the drainages. Getting busted up on the rocks isn't my idea of a good time.

This was to check out the possibility of avoiding the traverse on Skyline in winter, but it proved way to gnarly.

<wb> Actually, launching south off Skyline, skirting the face and dropping down the north canyon wall minimizes (theoretically) travel up or down the drainage. There are many well used deer trails across the east face and this is a relatively safe route, up until the north rim is reached. I'm hoping for advice on entering and exiting the canyon at around 5000' elevation.

Keep me posted on this, I know a couple guys & me who find this intriguing.

<wb> Okidoki. Will you send me a PM with your email address?

[bluerail]

5000' is way better than above 6000'..