Thunder Mountain Northwest Slopes  Mod. Snow

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Type:  Snow, Alpine, 2400 feet, Grade II FA:  n/a Season:  Winter most years Submitted By:  Justin Johnsen on Jan 10, 2012 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (2) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

BETA PHOTO: The bend north from Big Butch Wash to the bottom o...

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Description 

This is a nice local spot for Los Angeles area residents to practice their winter mountaineering fundamentals. Some winters there won't be enough snow to bother with this. Follow the local weather and trip reports and you'll find the sweet days.

From the road, follow Big Butch Wash east/northeast up a moderate snow slopes. Watch out for occasional descending hazards: boulders from the steeper couloirs above, or off-piste snowboarders and skiers shredding down the wash from Thunder Mountain.

A crux is at the top of the wash, where the route turns north and goes up a short, steep hump that leads to a level valley. From there, a number of options can take you up the northwest slopes of Thunder Mountain to the summit, including a series of shallow gulleys and ridges.

Location 

Park on the right-hand side of Mt. Baldy Road around 6,200 ft of elevation: past Manker Flats, but before the ski lift parking lot. A USFS Adventure Pass is required throughout the area. On winter weekends with good snow conditions, you may find the area next to the road quite busy.

Protection 

General mountaineering ice axe and crampons, poles and snowshoes, and/or avalanche precautions, depending on conditions.