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SMG's ICE REPORT

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This report of ice conditions is for ice climbs in the Sierra. We will report on conditions as we see them, or as we get reports from our friends. Be aware though that ice conditions can change rapidly with changing weather conditions. Be aware and knowledgeable of factors leading to stable snow and ice, and perceptive enough to back off in poor conditions. Visit the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center website for the latest backcountry avalanche advisory. Be safe and enjoy the climbing!!

Ice Conditions: Feb 24, 2010- Big News:  The Bard-Harrington has been climbed- on ice even.  A dedicated local ice climber made the ascent 2/23.  And it's only going to get thicker!  The other walls are in prime shape.  Most notably: the lower, direct start to Spiral Staircase has been ganged upon and ice is kinda beat off.  And it's not dripping and renewing.  Other Main Walls flows however continue to grow.  Chouinard falls continues to get picked out each weekend and almost replenished during the week.  It's peak season in Lee Vining Canyon and we're not giving the ice much rest.  That being said, it is great seeing people spreading out the love and coming to climb mid-week. People are still climbing on the Roadside ice and Horsetail falls near June Lake, just beware of warm days plus the intensifying sun. 

Video: March 2, 2010

Video: February 28, 2010

 

Click here for old reports.

Click here for our Couloir Report (NEW!)

Lee Vining Canyon | June Lake Area | Lundy Canyon | Parker Canyon | Lake Tahoe Area | Yosemite National Park | Other Ice Reports | More Information

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LEE VINING CANYON

View Topo   

Current Weather

Approach: Snowshoes probably still needed.

Bard-Harrington
In Shape: Yes

Spiral Staircase
In Shape: Yes

Main Wall
In Shape: Yes

Heel Toe
In Shape: 

April Fools
In Shape: 

Chouinard Falls:

In Shape: Yes

Photos by E. Henderson: March 1, 2010

 

Right Side

in Shape:

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JUNE LAKE AREA

Photos by Matt Zwang- Thanks Matt!

Current Weather

Approach:

Roadside Ice- February 28, 2010
In Shape: Yes.

Horsetail Falls
In Shape: Yes
In Shape: 


LUNDY CANYON

Dec 14, 2009 In! Photos byEric Henderson

Three Wise Men
In Shape:  No

Check out Miguel Forjan's trip report from 12-11-08 READ MORE

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PARKER CANYON

November 25, 2009

One Too Many
In Shape:  Yes! The word of the day is fat! The approach is not great, make sure you bring trekking poles, possibly snowshoes, and some patience. Don't detroy those ankles people! Click on the photo for more photos from Miguel Forjan!

Habegger's Falls
In Shape:  No report


LAKE TAHOE AREA

Cold Stream Canyon
In Shape:  No report


YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Sentinel Falls
In Shape:  No report

Widow's Tears
In shape:  No report

Yellow Brick Road
In Shape: No report

 

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LINKS TO OTHER ICE REPORTS:

Cody Ice (Wyoming)

Skyward Mountaineering (Colorado)

NE Ice (New England)

Chauvin Mountain Guides (New England)

Gravsports (Canada)

Rocky Mountain National Park Ice

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MORE INFORMATION

New Feature

We are very pleased to add a new feature to the site. If you click on View Topo, in the Lee Vining Canyon section you will find a link to Brian Biega's excellent site (About My Adventure) and route lines will be shown. If you hover over the route name the route and rating will appear. VERY COOL. Thanks Brian!

Ice Rating System

 

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Click here for more

RECENT PHOTOS:

Lundy Falls: 12-11-08

Looking up canyon 12-22-08