Conditions on Skyline / San Jacinto?

[rggibbons]

Hi Everyone,
I've been out of the loop for a few weeks, but was just wondering about the conditions on Skyline, especially on the upper traverse? I've been reading the recent posts here and it sounds like things are chilly but still do-able without crampons but I just thought I should double check.

I’ve been so busy here the last few weeks and am really disappointed that I had to miss the craziness on the 7th – I’m still chagrined It sounds like it was a perfect day!

I’d really love to get in one more Skyline, and maybe a C2C, and am thinking of this Sunday, the 29th, but just want to make sure it’s not all icy up there on the shady part. I really miss that mountain and hope to see some of you if anyone’s on the trail Sunday!

Thanks so much for any info!
~Robert

[Cy Kaicener]

There is a 50 percent chance of snow at Long Valley tomorrow and a high of 36 degrees. Sunday has a high of 37 degrees. (Updated 6.00 pm)
http://www.desertweather.com/forecasttram.php
The official tramway website shows 100% chance of snow

[KMartin]

Desert weather is not the official tramway forecast.

The forecast for that area is here, thanks.

http://www.scwxa.org/tram/tramnow.html

[rggibbons]

Thanks so much, Cy and KMartin, and Florian on the other thread! Yes, it's definitely looking bad this weekend. Looks like I'll have to push it back a couple days. Tuesday looks like it's supposed to the the warmest day this week.
~Robert

[rggibbons]

Well, I was probably more than a little crazy to go up solo today but all in all had a pretty nice hike this morning. In retrospect I wish I'd been able to go on Sunday, as it looks like everyone had a blast, but I’m not sure I could have kept up with the pace!

Today the temps were pretty comfortable all the way up but the snow above Flat Rock did give me quite a few “what the heck am I doing up here?” moments. I did fine and took it slow and careful and then when I was finally just a few hundred feet from the tram station my legs slipped out and I went down on my butt! I’d had some delusional idea earlier of going all the way to the summit but took that as a sign to call it a day and ride down.

Anyway, here’s a few pictures I took along the way. I may be moving to Colorado next year so am glad I was able to get one more Skyline in, but man, it’s lonely on a Tuesday up there! I hope I’ll have a chance again maybe next fall to visit and see some of the regulars on the trail again. Everyone I’ve met has been so nice and I’ve really enjoyed it!
~Robert

[lilbitmo]

Nice work Robert, those are great pictures, the last one looks like it was easy to see the other hikers tracks just below the tram, glad you made it safely.

You will have to send us Trip Reports from Colorado once (and if) you move there. We always like reports from other parts of the hiking world.

[Nick-SJM]

I imagine that the "regulars" already know it, but going up Skyline during these early snow days is not representative of what you might be facing later in the winter. Once the traverse gets icy it is a whole lot more dangerous (in fact, deadly). At times only A LOT of experience with 10 or 12 point crampons and an ice axe will prevent you from sliding down an ice chute, stopping when your head hits a tree and either dying or relying on the State Park or RMRU to get you out (at risk to themselves). Please use good judgment.

Happy hiking.

Nick

[kevin trieu]

whoa! lots of snow in the mountains. time to head back out!

[Cy Kaicener]

Robert - If or when you move to Colorado here is a website you should look at
http://coloradomountainjournal.com/?p=366
http://www.listsofjohn.com

[rggibbons]

Thanks, lilbitmo! I'll definitely post some reports from Colorado if I go. I hope to finally do Longs Peak in 2010.

And thanks so much for the good links, Cy! I'll check those out in more detail...And Happy Birthday!
~Robert