Emeralds/Bowman Valley conditions

Max R wrote:

Kind sir,

Literally the last two posts were about the emeralds, not bowman.

Oh man, I should have read the last two posts

Any word on road into Bowman?

No go yet, still snow after 6 miles or so as of this morning per my buddy 

Hey everyone, I stopped by the Emeralds today and was met by a PG&E worker blocking the climber's trail. I spoke with him and another PG&E worker at Lake Spaulding, they informed me that there will be substantial work being done around South Yuba River due to rock fall and access to the climbing area will be affected. The worker in front of the climbing trail mentioned work will be done Monday through Wednesday, but another worker was unable to endorse that, just confirmed weekends are open. If you are planning to head up to the Emeralds on a week day, make sure to have a back-up plan just in case access is limited. Stay safe out there!

Bryce Schnaars wrote:

Hey everyone, I stopped by the Emeralds today and was met by a PG&E worker blocking the climber's trail. I spoke with him and another PG&E worker at Lake Spaulding, they informed me that there will be substantial work being done around South Yuba River due to rock fall and access to the climbing area will be affected. The worker in front of the climbing trail mentioned work will be done Monday through Wednesday, but another worker was unable to endorse that, just confirmed weekends are open. If you are planning to head up to the Emeralds on a week day, make sure to have a back-up plan just in case access is limited. Stay safe out there!

See separate post on this.  https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/126091598/emeralds-closure-midweek

It's hit and miss on weekdays depending on activity.  We climbed on Monday with no problems.

Sorry for the off-topic question, but does anyone know the conditions at Rainbow?

Brandon R wrote:

Sorry for the off-topic question, but does anyone know the conditions at Rainbow?

I drove by Rainbow on Monday and the main boulders closest to the highway were all free of snow, with some small patches throughout the area. Definitely climbable. Not sure about the stuff on the other side of Hampshire Rocks road, but I'm guessing the rock is dry with some snow on the approach.

Marcelo F wrote:

I drove by Rainbow on Monday and the main boulders closest to the highway were all free of snow, with some small patches throughout the area. Definitely climbable. Not sure about the stuff on the other side of Hampshire Rocks road, but I'm guessing the rock is dry with some snow on the approach.

Thanks. I'm more interested in the roped/cragging area, but this helps get an idea of the general conditions up there. 

Live from the emeralds parking: shut down due to helicopter work 

Bowman is good to go, however.

Anyone know how road conditions are?!

Snowy!

There's barely any snow at my house in Truckee, I'd be shocked if the road to the Emeralds has any snow on it. We climbed there in February.

Lurk Er wrote:

There's barely any snow at my house in Truckee, I'd be shocked if the road to the Emeralds has any snow on it. We climbed there in February.

Sorry, was referring to the Bowman Road. Emeralds are usually open depending on snow at the bases only.

We were in the area a week ago and were surprised to find more snow there than in the town of Truckee. I'm guessing after this past storm it would be less than ideal conditions.

Not familiar with the area, but was wondering if climbing is possible at Larry land yet, or if there is an estimate for when it may be good.

I was at The Benches at Emeralds last weekend and it was totally climbable there. A bit of snow on the approach and some of the routes were a bit wet. I'd guess that Larry Land is not too much worse

The road to Bowman probably has snow on it, Bowman is about 1000' higher in elevation than the Emeralds. Best guess at least.

Bowman road is open as of yesterday 5/4/25. Still 3'+ drifts but they had been dug/plowed through.

FTR, Bowman road is a whole 'nother cup of java compared to the Emeralds. If it weren't for the plowing/digging that someone has done this year we'd be looking at another 3-4 weeks for a standard opening. Been there in mid June and it's still closed in a heavy year.

How’s it looking?