Just when we thought the long, warm days had prevailed over winter, Mother Nature decided to throw us a curveball! Snow (yes, snow!) is in the forecast for the Eastern Sierra this weekend at elevations 6,000 ft and above! Climbing conditions are not looking ideal but Payahuunadu is as beautiful as ever with fresh, high desert spring blooms. Our sneaky snakey friends are very active this time of year so closely supervise your pets and be on the lookout for these reptiles sunning themselves in the road as you drive to and from the crags and boulders. Here’s what you can expect this weekend:
Buttermilk Country:
From Saturday into Sunday morning, the milks are likely to see a blanket of snow that will persist for a couple of days. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, particularly near the Stained Glass Area of the Buttermilks Main. The mudhole going to the Pollen Grains is still v bad and likely to get worse with more precipitation. Don’t get stuck there!
Owens River Gorge:
Snow and rain likely but don’t worry, it’ll all be quick to melt once things warm up next week. Stinging Nettle is once again prevalent in the gorge so pants and long sleeves are nice to have when crossing the river or climbing in the Eldorado Roof area.
Pine Creek:
Cold, windy, and snowy all weekend… Don’t plan to climb here! Once it all melts away we will be right back in prime climbing time for Pine Creek.
Volcanic Tablelands:
Even the tablelands aren’t likely to escape the snow and rain! While Saturday is looking wet and rainy, partly sunny skies and wind might just dry things out enough to climb Sunday. Regardless, the tablelands are gorgeous right now and a trip without the climbing shoes is still worth it to take in all of the wildflower blooms painting the desert.
As always, come join us for climber coffee this Saturday at the PV Pit Campground from 9-11am!
The Bishop Area Climbing Rangers represent a collaboration among the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Inyo National Forest (INF), L.A. Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Bishop Area Climbers Coalition (BACC), Bishop Chamber of Commerce (BCC), Sierra Forever (formerly Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association or ESIA), and Friends of the Inyo (FOI) to promote climbing conservation in the Bishop, CA, Area – specifically in Pine Creek, the Buttermilks, the Volcanic Tablelands, and the Owens River Gorge. Climbing Rangers support local land managers and supporting organizations by performing a variety of tasks to preserve and maintain our cherished local climbing landscapes.