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Temple crag conditions

Original Post
Jen R · · SoCal · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 5

Looks like we have to reroute from climbing Whitney after the snowfall.
We were thinking temple crag Venusian blind but has to be car to car and I'm reading about not doing that desent in dark, lose rock, snow fields that require ice axes if frozen . . . So maybe this isn't the best backup plan ?! Advice? Other suggestions?

Jen R · · SoCal · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 5

Oh and what about water? Most reports say none late season. So sad about ditching east Butress plans and need a solid safe backup in current conditions.
Thanks so much for any help.

Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

You won't cross the snow/ice field on the descent but you'll probably have to in order to get on the route unless you climb up a chimney nearby. I went up the MGA in the summer of 2013 with no crampons and nearly bit the dust for good. Some parts of that snow field is actually hard ice. My friend accidentally dislodged a big rock which barely missed me and came crashing down on that "snow" field. The rock crumbled, the ice didn't crack one bit.

How hard do you want the climb to be? The West or North Ridge of Conness sounds like it's calling your name? Maybe Snake Dike or Matthes Crest? Semi-long moderates like what's on Whitney with less chance of snow and altitude headaches.

Water for what route? Temple Crag has sources all over the place until you reach Third Lake and maybe even near the base.

Jen R · · SoCal · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 5

I'll look those up. Difficulty is not important. I just wanted to get to the summit of Whitney. Now it's just about doing something else and temple looks gorgeous.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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