Skyline Conditions

[Kathryn61]

We had a fantastic time on Skyline Saturday. Here are some pics of the conditions:

http://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Coachella- ... s/6589392/

Kathryn

[Terawanderer]

Great photos...I was out in the Death Valley backcountry this last week....but would love to do another skyline with you soon...

[Cy Kaicener]

Thanks for posting Kathryn. I enjoyed the slide show. Now we can see how much snow there was.

[Ellen]

Howdy All

The Craigmeister and I went up a bit before Kathryn's group. We roasted until we got well above Flatrock -- lots of radiant heat and no breeze. The new deadfall and snow caused route finding problems for some folks. At the traverse, we were treated to a half-foot or so of powdery snow over ice.

Skyline has a split personality now (need to prepare for both heat and snow) and could be dangerous for first timers.

The NOAA forecast predicts low snow levels with the next system moving in this weekend:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... it=0&lg=en

I would sure love to snowhoe the classic San Jacinto winter route one time this season.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[hawkbill666]

Thanks, love the pictures !
Its snowing as I write in Seattle so its nice to see sun and desert

The pictures help me see how people gear up and layer at the various elevations, something I am still learning.

Scott

[divehike]

Great photos!!!

Anyone planning on going up Saturday March 17th?

We are thinking about trying to beat the weather (sounds like the serious storm is expected late afternoon).

I'm a little concerned about the tram and high winds too. Oh well, a little adventure.

[zippetydude]

Good luck! Don't get stuck, low of 12 up there on Saturday night!

z

[divehike]

Zip, thanks! If we go, we will definitely be to the tram by noon.

I'm still watching the weather ... a few years ago I turned around a few hundred yards above flatrock in a white out, and we'll turn around again if necessary.

[KathyW]

Be really careful out there this weekend. I know some people enjoy the challenge of heading into a storm, but it is a risky thing to do. With the current Saturday forecast in mind, you might run into rain, snow, whiteout conditions, and, if the snow is heavy enough, you might not even be able to follow your tracks down if you turn around up high on the route because the snow could fill them in. I'd say it might be a good idea to carry what you'll need for an overnighter if you head out into the storm - then if you find yourself unable to proceed you'll be able to sit it out.

Anyway, have fun and be safe.

[Cy Kaicener]

Be really careful out there this weekend. I know some people enjoy the challenge of heading into a storm, but it is a risky thing to do. With the current Saturday forecast in mind, you might run into rain, snow, whiteout conditions, and, if the snow is heavy enough, you might not even be able to follow your tracks down if you turn around up high on the route because the snow could fill them in. I'd say it might be a good idea to carry what you'll need for an overnighter if you head out into the storm - then if you find yourself unable to proceed you'll be able to sit it out.

Anyway, have fun and be safe.

Excellent advice Kathy - The snow level should be down to 2500 feet by Sunday
Here is the mountain station forecast
http://desertweather.com/forecasttram.php