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Ski touring conditions in Mammoth / Lake Tahoe / Bishop in April ?
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Hello, We are new in Santa Barbara and we want to go ski-touring as much as possible ! How are usually the conditions for ski-touring / ski-mountaineering in April in Mammoth, Lake Tahoe or Bishop ? Can we still find nice snow (spring snow) or is April too late ? Thanks, |
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No. Spring is time for the corn to blossom. Great skiing in April through most of May. Just pay attention to the the weather and snow conditions. After this recent dumping in the sierra, I'd closely monitor avvy conditions, especially for slab avvys. A lot depends on what happens between now and then re: temperature fluctuations and snow accumulation. Little Lakes Valley (Rock Creek Basin) outside of Bishop is one of my all time favorite backcountry ski destinations. Expect it to be busy. Trailhead starts at 10k depending on where the road closures are. Treasure Lakes is a good target. If you are into ski mountaineering and competent at 5.8-5.9, Bear Creek Spire is a worthy destination. Pointless Peak a mile north of Rock Creek Lake has some great chutes There are also runs on a lot of peaks on the sierra east side from Lone Pine to Bishop. The North Lake area outside of Mammoth is also really good. Also likely to be busy. I know nothing about the Tahoe area. It might help to further define what type of skiing you want to do and what type of gear you have. This forum has a lot of folks that steep descents are their goal. I haven't seen too many threads on backcountry skiing at a more moderate level. I fit in the latter; 75mm three pins on 185cm Madshus Epoch skis. My set up is good for moderate downhill, lighter for BC touring. From your OP it sounds like you fit in with my genre. If you are into the steeps, others can give better info. In the sierra, one needs to choose their objective based on the snow level at the time. Can't speak for any guidebooks as I haven't been in the market for a long time. |
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Bumping for input from the locals. "While most ski resort destinations are ramping down in April, the High Sierra is just starting to heat up… Why? First, it’s all about the snowpack. Due to the Sierra Nevada’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, we receive snowfall with higher moisture content leading to a deep snowpack. Second, in the spring our weather is warm during the day and cold at night helping produce a magical type of snow called corn. What’s Corn Got To Do With Snow? We know what you’re thinking… “What’s corn snow?” Well, they’re little beads of snow that get their name from the fact that they look like tiny frozen corn kernels. To form this glorious surface, you need multiple sunny, warm days in a row plus cold freezing conditions at night. If this spring-like weather loop gets going, you’ll be hooked for life." This article is based on resort skiing, but the same is true in the backcountry. Just need to be avvy aware. Other decent references: https://localfreshies.com/corn-whats-got-snow/ https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/corn-snow/ Plenty more info if you google something like "spring corn snow in the sierra". |
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April is a great time for the east side. Pick up the Bible to the east side wolverinepublishing.com/sto… |
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Shasta & Lassen can be great in late Spring . Have a good one ! |
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Ya know Emily, it would be nice to have a response when someone takes the time to provide input. You may be busy with your grad school work, but at least acknowledge responses. |
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The east side of the Sierra Nevada is a mecca of spring skiing. I would second purchasing the guidebook, a quick perusal and you'll understand. April-May is generally the prime time, although much of it will depend on the snow year. In leaner years, lines will go out of condition earlier, and in bigger years, access roads will get plowed later. I'm personally hoping for the latter. |
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It appears the OP is absent. No point in posting here. |
John Penca wrote: John.... that’s why I never take the time to type out a detailed response. |
John Penca wrote: Always be leery when someone's account is less than a week old. |
