San G conditions?

[beastie]

Hi,

Has anyone been up to San Gorgonio recently? What are the snow conditions like ...crampons or snowshoes required?

[zippetydude]

I went up San Bernardino Peak last weekend. The snow is at its worst right now - snowshoes and crampons aren't all that effective because the top few inches is soft and slushy and you start sliding regardless of what you do. A guy ahead of me slid about 30' down from the trail and was stopped by a flat spot and a tree. He wasn't hurt, but it showed how quickly the situation could go bad. You can mostly pick your way around the snow where I was, but I don't know the coverage over on San G. Sorry I can't be more specific. If you go, be sure to post conditions when you get back.

z

[KathyW]

Last Saturday, The Fish Creek Trail to Mine Shaft Saddle was clear of snow. Then there were just a couple of easy to cross patches of snow on the Sky High Trail. I dropped down to the Tarn at 11,000', but tons of people were coming down from the summit without a problem. I'd say it's pretty much summertime conditions via that route.

It's been warm this week; so there might not be much left of those patches of snow.

Here are some pictures form last Saturday:

http://kathywing.smugmug.com/California ... &k=L8g84K3

Have fun!

[KathyW]

You'll find reports on other routes over here:

http://members.boardhost.com/sgva/

[zippetydude]

Wow! I thought there would be a lot more snow over on San G. Maybe I'll make a quick trip up over this long weekend. Thanks for the post.

z

[beastie]

KathyW, thank you for the fantastic info & good news. It may be windy but clear of snow.