Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mt. Baldy conditions

Was hoping to get a Mt. Baldy climb in before winter sets in, but after two October storms and the first lost hiker of the year (a 19-year old missing for a week), I'm having second thoughts.

Anyone know how much snow is on Baldy? Is it just spotty? Icy conditions?

TIA

I would like to know as well. Driving by on the 210 freeway Friday it looked like the snow level had receded quite a bit, but still looked like quite a bit of snow on top.

That's not promising news about the missing hiker. It's unfortunate that this seemingly benign mountain claims so many victims. And as is evidenced by Ali's death in January it's not always the inexperienced ones.

Here are two articles on the latest missing hiker:

<a href="http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/10126220.htm?1c">Missing Hiker Missing on California Mountain</a>

<a href="http://www.nbc4.tv/news/3896578/detail.html">Authorities To Continue Search For Missing Hiker</a>

-Rick

A friend of mine was on the mountain a week ago, probably on the day that he went in. She said the ridge below which the backpack was found, was a nerve-racking knife edge with severe drop-offs.

Saturday was beautiful on the trail to Sierra Club Ski Hut. Patches of mushy snow here and there. Conditions appear to have gotten worse Sunday night. It has been freeze/thaw conditions at the top so be careful.

http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/4a3f79d3/bc/baldy/abDSCN3972.jpg?CCIzBmBBhPfSPHoG

http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/4a3f79d3/bc/baldy/abDSCN3976.jpg?CCIzBmBBlylSeWCr

http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/4a3f79d3/bc/baldy/abDSCN4011.jpg?CCIzBmBBDAfJt8yA

Thanks for the photos asbufra. Looks like what I expected. I think I'll wait for more snow.

Yes, thanks for those photos. I'll be waiting for LESS snow.

Anyone know what trail that missing hiker took? They talk about finding his backpack on the "north side" of the mountain. Devil's Backbone?