High Sierra Topix

I am contemplating trying a weekend trip this weekend to dusy basin from south lake. I have read that there was a considerable snow last week. Has anyone been out that way? What are the general conditions with regard to snow? Have things melted out?

Any other suggestions for a weekend trip withthe current conditions?

Thanks for any help!

If you've been reading these and other boards, you'll know that there is between four inches and two feet of snow that fell a few days ago. That is now melting, and it is melting faster at lower elevations and on south and west slopes. Which means north and east slopes are not melting nearly so fast.

And temperatures are now much lower---I've seen temps that were below zero on the trail reports.

I was at south lake this weekend and the new snow was about 1ft at the s lake and 2+ ft at long lake.I was snowshoeing.The snow was melting fast with the warm temps at sub-10300ft.The trail to long lake was turning to slush and in a few spots was already bare.
Although I would think this would not be the case above long lake.There was a ton of snow.One person i met who was stuck in the backcountry during the storm said snow was 4ft at Piute pass.
I dont know what the warm temps will do to the snow at the higher elevations but i would think you have to be very well prepared for the worst.I was looking up at Bishop pass and it looked like a nightmare.I spoke to one guy who said he had to turn back from doing bishop pass.See pics here: http://community.webshots.com/album/581490747ogcIhS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

BTW the scenery with the turning leaves and fresh snow was spectacular and mind blowing.I was awestruck.An amazing snowshoe trip.Below photo is Long Lake looking up to Bishop Pass-last weekend.

Its a beautiful time of year in the backcountry, and the snow melts fast.

By the way, Davela, beautiful picture.

Thanks for the information on the conditions around south lake. Looks like Dusy is out of the question. Any reccomendations for a manageable weekend trip with the current conditions? I really don't want to head any further north than Bishop on the 395.

Also.... what other boards do others look at for trip reports?


Thanks for all of you help!

dont give up,call the bishop ranger...you never know...may be doable..was very warm...

I did Chocolate Peak from South Lake on Monday 10/10/2011. I followed boot tracks to the Ruwau Lake turnoff and broke trail from there.

Fall colors on the way to South Lake


Boot tracks were packed down going up, but slushy and puddles on the way back


Boot tracks along Long Lake


Bishop Pass from Chocolate Pk


Spearhead Lk and Long Lk while descending


MORE PHOTOS: http://snownymph.smugmug.com/Sierra-Nev ... 10_L89fsRd" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very nice pics, Snow Nymph. Sure looks cold!

Great photos! Snow looks like Sierra cement.