Tahquitz conditions currently

Andre Ribeiro wrote:

We got a bunch of snow this weekend

Andre Ribeiro wrote:

We got a bunch of snow this weekend

Current status- north side of Suicide:

Tahquitz:

Forecast is for 5-11” of white stuff in the next 48 hours or so.

At 7 AM this morning, 20 degrees in Idyllwild (lower part of town at 5,200'), about 3 inches of crisp snow on the ground. It might be a good day for some winter hiking.

Just to mention, in general, when temps in Joshua Tree get  bit uncomfortable, Tahquitz conditions become prime. We are some days from it.

A few shots from yesterday's hike.

Both Suicide and Tahquitz dried out from the recent storm.

Lunch Rock approach has some frozen snow, see picture.

Humber Park gate is still closed. There seems to be some tree cutting activity there.

Temps 35 degrees at 7 AM this morning rising to high 50s mid day.. 

Suicide from Ernie Maxwell.

Tahquitz looks pretty dry for early season.

Lunch Rock approach has some frozen snow.

Humber Park gate is still closed.

Oh baby, getting close.  Thx for updates!

I still can't believe that gate was put right in the middle of my favorite parking spot.

Also:  There is NO excuse for the gate to still be locked in April.

Love the next six weeks in idyllwild, really cool transitional time. That storm must’ve hammered the early bird thru hikers.

April 11 update

Suicide- Weeping Wall:

North Suicide (Flower… vicinity):

Tahquitz (from Suicide):

April 14 update

Tahquitz North Side:

Tahquitz North Gully:

45 degree mostly consolidated snow. Axe definitely helpful. Approach shoes…notsomuch!

Open Book looking like Patagonia:

Thank you to all for posting the photos!!

Climbed fingertrip Saturday 4/20. There was snow at the base of Tahquitz (climbers trail was 98% dry and clear) to the left of fingertrip (angels fright was unreachable). Fingertrip was 95% dry and no snow. Top and friction descent were clear and dry. I'd guess the snow at the base will be gone in the next week or so. Another party we bumped into did say there was snow on their climb and it was sketch (they climbed somewhere left of fingertrip) so I think the West face has the best conditions for another week or two. Trip was a success and there were a few other parties up there. 

Got on the Vampire Saturday 4/20. There was some snow on the approach, near the base, but we were able to cut steps where needed.

 Gary Warner · 15 hours ago · Culver City, CA

Anyone up there got an idea on conditions on tah?  I know warm this week but if looking clear of snow up to 8k already, then probably rock will be dry enough to climb by sat?

As of today, the south and west faces are fine- no snow visible anywhere, and everything is (too) dry. Snow on the west approach is long gone. North face still has some lingering snow patches, so prolly some wet conditions here or there. Upper part of North Gully still has lots of snow- pretty soft mid-day, but would not be much fun in approach shoes:

N gulley descent fine in approach shoes, all meaningful snow is avoidable.  There is obviously slightly more rock shenanigans to avoid the snow, but it goes. 

Access to Crest of the Far East, Indian Buttress, and Alter of Agloot have significant snow still; however, axe and traction were not required.  I think it actually made the slide alder better (?), certainly was not worse.

I would personally not want to descend from the top of Alter back into the drainage; fortunately, the fire lookout is easily accessible with a beat in trail and a hand line (photos below) !!  You could probably get away without an axe or traction, but I did pull my axe out.  Crampons were never needed.  

Probably 2-4 more weeks of snow up high, depending on temps and any new precip. 

Hi everyone, it's been a few years since i've been in the area and we're visting next week.  We have a regular van with no high clearance, are the yellow post sites still accessible or has any of the recent fires and storms affected this at all?  Also is that cool little restaurant at the corner, i think it's called Ideology still open?  Any locals got recs for climbs in the 10+ to 12 range that doesn't get a lot of traffic on the weekends?

Charlie

The yellow sites you mentioned. If you mean those up to South Ridge trail, they are still there. The road is a bit bumpy and rutted but you might get up there. Ideology is closed. The temps in town mid 60s.

Try the Flakes !?

Thanks and yeah I meant the spots by south ridge. I checked the USFS site but just wanted to make sure they’re still accessible without higher clearance. 

Hey is there a good spot behind Lily rock with snow still where I could teach someone how to walk up snow w an axe and crampons?

You might find some up in the north gully, but it will be patchy, and with no runout. Tough place to learn self arrest, when the consequences of being unable to stop will be lots of hard unforgiving talus.