Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Conditions On Baldy

Hi Rick,

It doesn't look like much, if any, white stuff was dumped. At least not according to this webcam image: http://www.mtbaldyskilifts.com/weather.lasso

However, I'm not sure which direction this shot is taken from, so it could be deceiving. If it's any indication, the ski lifts are remaining closed and are only operating on weekends for scenic rides. I read on one report that the snow level was above 7000ft.

Hope this helps.

Joyce

What are the current snow/ice conditions on the mountain? Does the trail from manker flats up the backbone currently require micro spikes? We want to do this hike next weekend (may 5) but not sure about current conditions. Thanks in advance.

Hi Farnsworth. I just hiked Baldy for the first time on Friday, April 27. I was in the area on a business trip, and decided to climb Baldy. I went up the Ski Hut Trail from Manker Flats and came down Devil's Backbone. There was some ice in shaded areas, but it was not a problem. I took Microspikes but did not need them. Unless conditions change drastically, you should be fine. I was in shorts and a tee shirt most of the time. Go for it!

Thanks Diamond. That's what I figured but wanted to make sure.

I'm going up there this Saturday as well and the snow/ice conditions were my main concern. Thanks for the helpful info. I just love this board.

Joyce

Thanks Doc! I was thinking about going up Sunday. Hikergirl, if you go maybe you can post a report. I haven't been up Baldy or any mtn since Oct 1st when I blew my knee out on the Backbone. Anxious to get back up there.....

Cat, I will be happy to post a report. I will post a link to my pictures as well. I usually take lots of them.

Thanks! I'll probably be heading up on the 12th and will look forward to a trip/trail/picture report.

=) tif

Went up yesterday 05/05/12, with my 10 yo daughter and did the loop. No snow or ice on trail, busy..must have been 40 people on summit, a little cool and some wind off the backbone.

I hiked Mt. Baldy yesterday (5/5) with my group in training to hike Whitney. Other than being a bit breezy and cool early on, it was the perfect day for a hike. The weather was beautiful and the trail was in great shape.

We took the Ski Hut trail from Manker Flats to the summit, and then descended via the Devil's Backbone Trail to the ski lifts. The only patches of snow and ice were in a few shaded areas, beginning past the ski hut, and a little closer to the summit. There was one part of the trail as we ascended through the trees near the bowl where there was a patch of ice, but that could be easily avoided and it was melting fast. By next weekend, it may not even be there. All other sections of the trail were completely dry as most of the existing snow is well off to the side.

Here is a link to my pictures from the hike as I can't figure out how to post a few on here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/Tolkien.Lew...feat=directlink

Let me warn you, there are LOTS of pictures and some might seem a little redundant. I just couldn't help myself.

Enjoy!

Thanks Hikergirl! Great post & pix. I didn't get up there today as my buds flaked out, but I did 12 miles in Blackstar Canyon as a consolation. Will do Baldy next sun....

-cat

Nice pics,hikergirl! That snow sure did melt fast!

Thanks, Cat and Doc!

I've never heard of Blackstar Canyon. Will have to check it out. Enjoy your time on the mountain Sunday, Cat. If it continues to warm up, the snow may be all melted by then. Here's to perfect weather!

Hike on!

Went up the ski hut trail and down the backbone to the lifts today. No snow or ice on the trail at all. Up high there are a few patches of snow (and boy did it feel good on my head under my hat on such a warm day like today!!). All in all a great day for a hike and TONS of people on the trail and up top.

More snow on West Baldy than Baldy itself, but even then you can get to the top without walking on the white stuff.

All in all, it's summer on baldy for all intents and purposes!

=) tif

Hi tif & everyone!
My friends & I went up Baldy yesterday. Spectacular day, no wind & very warm. Went up/down the backbone to test the new ACL. Strong & stable - ready for the next challenge! No crowds at the summit. NICE! probably due to mom's day. As always best to get an EARLY start to avoid the hoards & masses.......
-cat

Rick Graham, Mike Mellin, Shin Nimura, Brandon Thorsten.

Shin hit 285! summits.

Congrats Shin, your getting closer to 400, won't be long...

I was a little ahead of you guys, I summited at 10pm Saturday..

So Richard MR on Friday,Langley on Saturday,Baldy on Sunday = your living the good life..what do you think of are So.Cal. mountain weather(you do call Baldy a mountain don't you)

mark

My little friend




Heading down into the abyss..

Baldy is a mountain... along with all the other complainers (almost universal during the Sweat Fest on Sunday), I'd rather see it covered in snow!!!!!

Should have hung out for a few more hours... it was a Who's Who of CA Mountaineering up there with all the familiar faces.

Shin/Richard,

Shin Congrats... we keep missing each other I've noticed.
Did the center chute several weeks ago on Baldy, then read
you had been on top the same day. We need to do breakfast
again one of these days.

Richard,
What time were you on Langley, I was at the summit
around 11:45am. on Sat. I enjoy reading of all your
adventures but we've never met..

Keep on 'iking.
Rick