Yosemite Report

[Leszek Vogt]

I could use a serious snow dump at the end of the Jan. Wonder what the crystal ball says ? Anyone has any clues other than nada is predictable ?

Les

[John Kasaian]

According to the Weather Channel it'll be snowing all night and all day tomorrow.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

We are heading up for Christmas so I'll report.

[Will S]

Thanks for the info! Is Mono Lake too far to fit into a 3 day stay?

[Jon Shiu]

Thanks for the info! Is Mono Lake too far to fit into a 3 day stay?

Mono lake is not too far if the Tioga pass is open, but pass may still be closed in early June if a lot of snow this season.

[Drew Wiley]

Mono Lake from Yosemite Valley right now? Let's see, maybe a sixteen hour drive around the south end of the range and back up 395 on the other side, or else over Donner Pass with probably chains on your tires. There goes two of your three days.

[Leszek Vogt]

Thanks for the info! Is Mono Lake too far to fit into a 3 day stay?


If the Sonora Pass is open (when you are in Yos), your drive to Mono Lake might be less than 5hrs from the Valley...at least googly indicates that. But, with vacationers, slow pokes...I mean who knows ? Anyway, some other things to consider....will you get the desired light that you want at Mono Lake ? Also, it could be more efficient by dropping off your car in Reno and fly from there to SF. But, these things have to be worked out in advance....and I got this feeling that you'd be rushed.

Les

[Drew Wiley]

Sonora is generally a bit faster than Tioga, esp if you use it the way I do - weekday nites. The nice thing about it, is that there are plenty of free car camping spots up there, making it a good area to spend the nite and get some altitude adjustment before a high country backpack. And scenic. And of course, open only summer and early fall, just like Tioga. You can drive there from the Bay in less time than it would take to get thru the nightmare of SFO and Reno airports. The lower hill and farm country itself is worth the drive, though it can be hot in summer except in the morning. Mono Lk gets hot by midday too. No problem. Just adjust your altitude by the time of day if needed. Both Virginia Lks and the Tioga Pass area are quite close if you need a serious elevation change for a few hours. There are only about six thousand times more things to see and photograph on the east side than the handful of stereotypical sights people usually reference on these discussions. Your film won't go begging.

[John Kasaian]

The past two weekends has seen snow dumping in Yosemite at higher elevations. 'Tis a good thing!
Be aware and carry chains/cables if you go. If you're renting a car get a 4wd or take YARTS

[Drew Wiley]

Most people on this forum probably know the ropes by now, but there's more than renting a car and carrying chains to in the winter. Better have a serious sleeping
bag and emergency supplies too, including decent snow boots. I've been stuck as long as three days at a time while some highway was shut due to heavy snowfall, avalanches, truck pileups, whatever. Every year somebody who took a wrong turn doesn't make it out alive. What might be fatal for someone unprepared might be fun to me. I have my stove, lantern, books, parka, gloves, goosedown jacket, a set of snowshoes, and of course the 8x10. Can't have powder snow without an
8x10!