Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Best spring snow climbs in southern Sierra?

I just saw a great set of photos from a recent snow climb on Owens Point, and it got me thinking about long snow climbs in the southern Sierra. I've heard there is a big one on Olancha Peak. Can anyone provide details about that one or any others? Thanks!

Here's a Sierra Club TR that describes the approach to the SE Couloir of Olancha.

Speaking of Owens Point:

Photos of the Owens Point Grand Couloir.

POV Photos and "Movies."

Thanks Richard. That trip report recommends 3 days for the SE Couloir on Olancha Peak. Is it possible for mere mortals to do it in one day? Is there more info available about that route?

Your Owens Point climb looked fun. How much longer do you reckon it will be in good snow climbing condition?

Sam:

ENE Colouir of Lone Pine Peak.

NE Colouir of Langley.

I hear good things about the north face of University, as well.

Thanks Laura. I did the North Couloir on University Peak this past November. It was an excellent snow climb, though the top was unnervingly steep and exposed.

Where can I get info about the ENE Couloir on Lone Pine Peak? There appears to be nothing in Secor or SummitPost.

The NE Couloir of Langley is on my tick list.

http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/...=true#Post61423

There's a link to photos on my flickr site at the bottom of the report. Also, check Rick Kent's website for pics from that day as well as the year before when he did it with Mike Schasch.

-L

Don't go telling people about that climb, soon it'll be run into the ground.
We need to get up there and do it again.
I've always wanted to approach Alta Peak via Pear lake and climb up one of the couloirs on the backside. I think it could make for an awesome long weekend.

Sam

If you are interested in the West Side of the Sierra's Alta Peak out of Lodge Pole is a nice climb.