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Half Dome Conditions?

Original Post
LML · · Arvada · Joined Jun 2005 · Points: 105

Any one is Yosemite lately that can tell me conditions on Half Dome? Snow at the base? Snow on top? I haven't ever climbed it, so I am not sure what condition information is relevant... Any current information would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

SAL · · broomdigiddy · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 790

There is still a glacier at the base of half dome and mroe snow on the way i hear.

Rob Gordon · · Hollywood, CA · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 115

As of Saturday, there was quite a bit of snow in the middle of the summit (safe if you are not an idiot) and a snow slope to walk down after the cables (also seemed fairly safe).

Someone warned us about possible avalanches, so we took another rope to rappel down if needed, but it was fine.

We did Snake Dike, which was bone dry, but there was some snow at the top of the Regular route. The Death Slabs might be trouble as well.

All in all it was the best time ever to climb Snake Dike, only a few parties on the climb, and we were the only ones on top of the summit.

Be prepared to hand over hand the downed cables (I could see gloves being preferred by some for this), and check for any more current snow. I know it rained Sunday in the Valley.

LML · · Arvada · Joined Jun 2005 · Points: 105

SAL, Rob, thanks for the info, I appreciate it. We were thinking about climbing the Regular Northwest Face. Doesn't sound like it's do able yet?

What's the snow like on El Cap?

mongoose · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2010 · Points: 0

el cap is good to go. i was just there this past weekend.
check out elcapreport.com

Rob Gordon · · Hollywood, CA · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 115
Fat Dad · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 60

There was another thread recently asking about conditions. From that thread, the conclusion seemed to be that in early season a big snowfield with bad fall potential bars access to the base, unless you wanted to bring an ice axe and crampons.

Keatan · · AZ · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 50

It's supposed to rain/snow in the valley today....and for the next few days too I've heard but people are definitely up doing Snake Dike. Saw helicopters yesterday morning and was told they were pulling someone off who broke their leg

Colin Simon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 370

Just did half dome, it's almost completely dry. Pitch 7 had a little moisture.

The snowfield at the base wasn't too bad for us, but the follower had to simul up it for the leader to get to the top of the first pitch with a 60m rope.

Also the slabs were annoying as usual.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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