Mt. Silliman in April

[Timo_the_Osprey]

Thought I'd purchase some crampons and try summiting Mt. Silliman some time next week, April 14-18. I've done a lot of Sierra Nevada backcountry hiking but I'm nothing like a serious climber and have no snow experience. My question is this:

Is trying a Mt. Silliman day-hike in April a bad idea for someone like me?

Thanks for any insight and/or warnings!

[c9h13no3]

Send it. Wake up early. Silliman is a bit long for your first foray, but other than that pretty chill.

There's very little hazard, with only bits of avalanche terrain and no sketchy creeks. But even though the route to Silliman is SW facing, your life will be easier if you're descending at 11AM. Be conservative estimating your uphill speed, you may want a headlamp start. I think you'd probably want snowshoes more than an axe & crampons, for when you're returning through glop in the afternoon. But if you're not experienced, probably better to have more tools at your disposal.

I was weighing skiing there this Sunday, since conditions look pretty ideal. Monday okay-ish too.

AJ's report is pretty solid.

[Timo_the_Osprey]

Great details. Thank you.

[FrankPS]

Having the ability to self-arrest (proper training and practice) would be a good idea. Knowing which terrain to avoid (rope needed, avalanche potential) will help keep you alive.

[Flamingo]

Hi @Timo_the_Osprey, this is an ambitious but achievable objective!

Based on my experience, the most annoying part of this trip in winter is the 4 miles through forest to reach the meadow at 8700'. Beyond that section, it's a straightforward (but long) snow ramp to the summit. As @c9h13no3 mentioned, I would strongly suggest snowshoes. Good luck!