Spitler Peak, Help!

[Bigwookie009]

Hey guys any of you ever been up Spitler Peak before?
Its only 7400 feet, I just wanna know if you guys think there will be snow there or not? Even if there is snow will I need snow shoes or crampons or anything of that sort?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance

[Cy Kaicener]

Idyllwild at 5500 ft got snowed on, and the snow level is expected to drop a lot lower -- http://www.wunderground.com/us/CA/Idyllwild/KPSP.html
The week end will be much warmer and the lower snow should melt.

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... -peak.html

[KathyW]

Yes, there will be snow. Wait until late April or early May to do Spitler and you should be rewarded with a great flower show in the Garner Valley area.

Flowers in the Garner Valley along Fobes Ranch Road on 5/6/06:

[Bigwookie009]

I see, that looks great with all them flowers beautiful!

So even though there is snow, you think its going to be doable without crampons? If there a few parts where it might be a little icy and some parts where the snow would be a few feet I could do it. But if were talking about a lot of snow over a lot of the trail then there is no way or if it will be dangerously icy.

You said the snow will be going up so you think in a week or two it wont really be any until 6500 or even 7?

Thanks

[KathyW]

If you don't mind trudging through some snow, you could probably get to Spitler Peak without any special gear. My guess is there's at least a couple of feet of snow up near the peak and I'm sure you'll probably be in a foot of snow by 6000'.

There's tons of snow at 6000' in most areas right now.

Go out and give it a try. Just remember to turn around if the snow is too deep or it's icy. Getting to the top isn't what's important anyway.

[Bigwookie009]

I think I will, I have some pretty good warm gear I just got so this will be a good test too!
Thanks, and thanks for that pic too that really is beautiful! I hope I can find that exact spot in the spring!

[Rumpled]

I've seen some reports in the last day or two of snow to less than 4k in the SG's and I've seen snow at 5k in the Santa Ana's.
Just be ready for it.

[Bigwookie009]

I've seen some reports in the last day or two of snow to less than 4k in the SG's and I've seen snow at 5k in the Santa Ana's.
Just be ready for it.

Ah man really... hmmm hopefully it wont be so bad I will have to turn back that would suck, its going to be a two hour drive for me. I do have some good cold weather gear though so Ill be warm for sure but those wont stop me from slipping haha.
Also I wont be going for a week or so, basically waiting on some money so I can buy a pack then Ill go with my new pack

[KathyW]

If it's icy going up, turn around because coming down is harder than going up in icy conditions.

Also, remember that conditions can change fast. That nice soft snow you climb up will turn to ice if the temperature drops while you're on the mountain.

[Biletchick]

REI is having a big clearance sale starting Friday. Check out this thread:
http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=73006&Main=9365#Post73006

Stacy