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dtwilley02
Mar 28, 2007, 3:43 PM
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A friend and I are looking to do some climbing in the High Sierras the last week and a half of June. I am hoping you guys can shed some light on the conditions that time of year. I understand you should be prepared for anything, but will there be a ton of snow, bugs, temps, etc... What will the approaches look like? Thanks for your help.
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dingus
Mar 28, 2007, 3:44 PM
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dtwilley02 wrote: A friend and I are looking to do some climbing in the High Sierras the last week and a half of June. I am hoping you guys can shed some light on the conditions that time of year. I understand you should be prepared for anything, but will there be a ton of snow, bugs, temps, etc... What will the approaches look like? Thanks for your help. It depends. DMT
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dingus
Mar 28, 2007, 3:47 PM
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expect bugs and snow, check. Trails below 10k mostly melted out. This year perhaps more so. June is typically a calm month for the Sierra, no big thunderhead activity (unless something weird blows in from SoCal) most seasons. Skeeters will eat you alive in June! Its what they do. You have specific goals in mind or no? DMT
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scuclimber
Mar 28, 2007, 5:10 PM
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Pssst... when referring to the Sierra Nevada range of California, it's "Sierra" not "Sierras" for various reasons on which I don't feel like elaborating right now. And, as DMT said, tons of bugs. I would expect much much less snow this year than average, and especially the last two seasons.
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dtwilley02
Mar 28, 2007, 5:22 PM
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Thanks for the input. Ah mosquitoes!!! As of now we have no goals. We are just getting an idea of what the conditions will be, then plan accordingly.
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dtwilley02
Mar 28, 2007, 5:29 PM
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scuclimber wrote: Pssst... when referring to the Sierra Nevada range of California, it's "Sierra" not "Sierras" for various reasons on which I don't feel like elaborating right now. And, as DMT said, tons of bugs. I would expect much much less snow this year than average, and especially the last two seasons. Thanks for the reply and the bug report. But I would love for you to explain the "Sierra" and not "Sierras". I spent some time looking online (putting off a project at work) and found a grammar log that used the term Himalayas to describe the Himalayan Mountains. I also do this for other ranges as well. Not to get hung up on details or take away from my original post, but I am curious.
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shimanilami
Mar 28, 2007, 5:42 PM
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This year may be a little different due to how little rain and snow we've had, but as for approaches and route conditions, June is generally "sketchy". It will really depend upon the specific valleys and routes you want to climb. For the best odds on clean approaches, look for south facing valleys and walls. (If we get a heat wave, however, you might get roasted!) I generally don't make up my mind exactly where I'm going to climb until the week or so before I go. There's plenty of options within driving distance, so as long as you have a general plan and some flexibility, you can usually find something in its "sweet spot". Post up closer to June and you're bound to get some good feedback. But it's hard to forecast much this far ahead.
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summerprophet
Mar 28, 2007, 5:46 PM
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As yet another response to the Bad Bugs. Purchase two yards of mosquito netting per person so you can bear sitting outside. that or be prepared to spend a lot of time in the tent. They aren't so bad once you get to the higher elevations. Judging by the conditions this winter I would expect the the sierra to be dryer than typical. If you are going between Langley and Whitney I know of a sweet shortcut.
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dingus
Mar 28, 2007, 5:57 PM
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Sierra is plural = mountains. But there is only one Sierra Nevada, we don't have two of them. Sierra Nevada basically means snowy mountains. So saying Sierras is like saying mountains(s). DMT
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dtwilley02
Mar 28, 2007, 7:06 PM
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If that is were we go I will take you up on the shortcut. Thanks
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floridaputz
Mar 28, 2007, 8:13 PM
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Alpine Rock climbing is the Sierra is my latest passion. A few things I've learned about it are, 1) generally I climb after July 1st. I don't like to deal with a lot of snow. 2) study the approaches and descents. They can be complicated. 3) Have the proper clothing. The weather can change quickly on you. Oh yea, bring your camera !
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tslater
Mar 28, 2007, 8:34 PM
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Yeah, Secor's guide is comprehensive, great book, but not if you'll be a one or two time visitor. Croft's book (Good, Great, Awesome) is excellent, but only if you have certain specific objectives that are covered in his book. The earlier you go, the fewer mosquitoes, but you'll get snow patches. The later, you may get controlled burns which screw up the air with smoke and obscure beautiful vistas. I prefer snow shoes to mosquitoes and smoke. I've done Unicorn Peak in Tuolumne in May and there is a good ski slope back down if you're into that sort of thing. This was a relatively light winter!
(This post was edited by tslater on Mar 28, 2007, 8:36 PM)
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mtnfr34k
Apr 9, 2007, 7:49 AM
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If you have limited time, and wanted a variety of difficulty, accessibility, and classic climbs, I recommend the Supertopo guide.
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theswissfactor
Apr 9, 2007, 4:56 PM
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Just a note about current conditions in the Yosemite area.....I attempted Mt. Clark about a week and a half ago (turned back by an unstable snowpack) and the conditions are VERY atypical this year. Only patchy snow below 9000', and not a whole lot above that. I've heard they're expecting to have Tioga Road open around April 15th, which is 2-3 MONTHS earlier than usual. Unicorn, which sometimes has a snowfield until August, doesn't seem to have one at all this year. My guess is that June should be fine as far as snow on approaches this year. Bugs, weather, heat.....that's another matter.
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rhyang
Apr 9, 2007, 5:06 PM
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Tioga open around April 15 ? I read that the plowing isn't supposed to start until the 16th, and usually it takes at least a few weeks afterwards. NPS Yosemite Tioga Pass page
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theswissfactor
Apr 9, 2007, 5:50 PM
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Well, seems I am wrong. I heard this from some friends who work in the park. I think they were estimating based on avalanche control being done in late March/early April. I will say that plowing should be quick this year since much of the road is already snow free.
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