Late April Hike

[bwolf]

We are looking to hike from the tram to the Summit in late April. Any guess on what the snow conditions could be?

[hikehigh]

Its hard to say. It could be all gone or a few feet left.

[BSquared]

We are looking to hike from the tram to the Summit in late April. Any guess on what the snow conditions could be?

Same here. It'll be our first trip up the mountain (we're right-coasters and will be visiting relatives in LA). Any general advice on hiking tram -> summit -> tram would be most welcome.

[guest]

Hi,
Haven't been up for a couple weeks, (maybe a few on this board have & will reply), but I've heard there's still a couple+ ft. at tram (mt. sta>) and over 6 ft. at summit, which doesn't surprise me, as the outhouses in Tamarack were only sticking out a couple ft. last time I went through, and Mt. Shelter just below summit was all but covered then.

My guess, slussy with possible ice areas lower, maybe hard-packed higher up. Which may require snowshoes & cramp-ons.

I'll report back next time I'm up there, but others may post here 1st to speed up the info.

The WX should be great, probably 50-60's which always feels warmer at altitude if there's no wind.

Have fun,

ss

[bluerail]

Still lots of snow ( 4-6') at summit, still a good amount in long valley. Not the powder it was, good for crampons on the steep inclines. Hard to say, like hh said, but there is alot of snow left up there right now.

[zippetydude]

Hi bwolf. I went up yesterday, and the snow conditions are perfect early on - crispy but not icy, soft, but not slushy enough to be a problem. I'd watch for postings about a freeze/thaw cycle, which could create dangerous ice, but for right now, it's delicious!

It's amazing how quickly the snow is melting off, it was 3 feet deep along the walkway behind the upper tram station just a few weeks ago. It's now gone. Going up the Sid Davis drainage, there are already a couple of bare spots - in another month, there will probably be more. Still, if you know your way, it's probably going to be very good going. If I go up again between now and then, I'll post again.

z

[BSquared]

... Still, if you know your way, it's probably going to be very good going.

This is sounding like first-timers maybe should stay away, or is moderate skill with map and compass good enough, do you think? What's the "Sid Davis drainage?" Is it the part of the trail that follows what is marked on the map as intermittent "Long Valley Creek," between the tram station and Wellman's Divide?

[guest]

Hi BSquared,
Sid Davis is a shorter route that follows the drainage your referred too, it levels off at SE area of Tamarack Valley (cmpgd). If your not familiar with the area, it's difficult to find a route (unless you have reliable footprints) through the area after Tamarack. The route heads basically NW to summit, heading for a saddle between Miller & San J peaks.

W/ out snow, you can find yourself in thick brush.

ss