Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board North Lake Conditions?

Anyone been in through North Lake out of Bishop recently? I believe that's where we're headed for snow camp this weekend and (along with watching Dennis' forecasts like a hawk!) wanted to make my final choices on clothing/food.

According to what he's puttin' up now, I think I need to bring a swimsuit to lay out!

Any beta is appreciated. Thanks y'all!

-L

Hi Laura,
I'm with the LB/SB WTC group, and our Snow Camp is March 23-25 (we do everything last, after everyone else). I'm told we're going to South Lake. Sorry I don't have a condition report for you, but I sure hope there's snow!

How was Snow Travel day? Did you go to Icehouse Canyon? (we go this weekend).

Have a good time,
Rich

Hey, Richard. Each group goes somewhere different, but South Lake is a great area. You guys'll have a blast.

We actually went up to the Waterman Peak area for our Snow Travel day, and I had WAY too much fun on the snowshoes. Can't wait to use my new ones this weekend.

Have a great and safe trip.

-L

Hi Laura,

I was up a week and a half ago in Aspendell,thats down the hill from North Lake.The road is closed just above Aspendell in the usual place so you'll have a long walk to get there.It was the least amount of snow I've seen up there in recent memory.The big storm that dumped on Mammoth hit as I was leaving so there should be more snow up there for your group to play in.
I'm going back up Friday to work on my house so I'll see first hand what's going on.I emailed and called some of my friends and neighbors to see what the current conditions are.One of my friends skis and snowshoes up to Sabrina and North Lake regularly so as soon as he gets back to me I'll pass the info along.Have fun.

Thanks, fish! I totally appreciate the beta. Long walk or not, I just can't wait to get up there!

-L

Hi Laura,
I was up at North Lake over New Years. At that time the lake was frozen and there was a fair amount of snow. Since the gate is closed, have you considered the trail behind Cardinal Lodge that goes up to North Lake instead of the road? Have fun.

Here's the weather for nearby (and a bit higher) South Lake, South Lake weather Will give you an idea what the current weather is.
Hope it helps

Dave LBC GP 3

Hey Laura,

The only info I got is there should be 1-2 feet of snow,some drifts but good conditions.Weather has been mild as you know.I'm actually heading up tonite so I have some extra time for some hiking up to North Lake and Sabrina.I'll be on my roof Friday so I'll keep an eye out for your hot rod on the way up.

Thor

Thor: Thanks so much for gettin' back to me. I can't believe how warm they're predicting this weekend to be. Cheez!

We'll be the big bus dumping off in the middle of Aspendell Friday nite! We'll try to be quiet for the townsfolk, but I can't guarantee anything! hehehe

Have a great weekend, and maybe we'll catch you up at North Lake!

-L

Hey Laura,

I was just up the South Lake Rd today. They normally don't plow beyond Bishop Creek Lodge. The road is currently dry all the way past Table Mountain campground. There are a few inches of snow on the ground about 1/2 mile beyond that.

Have fun at North Lakie this weekend!

Thanks, K-dub! I think we're dropping off another group somewhere in that vicinity before we head into Aspendell. Should be a big pah-tee: I made brisket with beer, gravy, and mashed potatoes for Sat nite din-din! No freeze-dried for me, thanks!

Thought you were still in Africa! Welcome home!

-L

I just got back from Africa on Tuesday. It was a great trip but my body is still on a different time zone. I guess it's a good time for the new daylight savings time to kick in.

Have a great time this weekend. It sounds like there will be plenty of great food!

How far is it possible to drive up the road to South Lake? I just talked to the ranger station at Bishop and they said it's just a barricade, and no regulations on bypassing it. Would rather drive than walk on bare asphalt! My car is a no-go on any consistent snow cover, no matter how deep. Thanks.

As I recall, the gate is the type similar to the one on the Horseshoe meadows road......permanent type totally across the road, then locked.

I don't think it can be bypassed.

There is no gate on the South Lake Rd. It's a sign letting you know the road is not plowed beyond Bishop Creek Lodge. There is barely any snow as far as the Tyee Lakes bridge. Soon after that the snow gets deep enough that you'll need to stop. Even with the warm weather predicted for this week I don't anticipate the road melting enough to drive any farther.

Wow, that's a real change, then.

Or maybe not. I distinctly remember a snow camping trip from a couple years past, where we had to stop at a gate across the road, a ways past Parchers.

I gotta remember to take my medicine!

Thanks, Kurt. I was thinking of the Tyee Lakes as a possible destination for this weekend. Rather not carry my snowshoes too far!