Yosemite, Ancient Bristlecone

[Terry Hull]

Sorry yet another quick question for Calif LFers familiar with weather probabilities. I will arrive in Bridgeport where I will stay Oct 4,5,6 (Yosemite, Bodie) B4 spending the next two nights in Big Pine where I hope to spend time at Ancient Bristlecone. I see snow is being forecast for next week, hence I am wondering whether I should redo my agenda to spend more time further south with less chance of snow. Specifically, there are no heavy snowfalls forecast, and I know weather being weather.....but does bristlecone get weather similar to Yosemite in terms of road closures( I am not a backpacker)? I have visited from Bishop south B4 but never Yosemite, Bodie, Bristlecone, and unfortunately will be in the typical rental subcompact, not an industrial strength, snow defeating, all wheel drive vehicle. I know this is rather nebulous, but thought some local experience with some of this might be helpful.

Thank you.

[Preston]

Terry,

I am planning a trip to the East Side this coming week, as well, so I am keeping a close eye on the forecasts.

Here are links to NWS forecasts for next week that may help...

NWS-Sacramento

Reno

Bridgeport, CA

Sonora Pass

Tioga Pass

Lee Vining

One front is forecast to move in Sunday 10/2. Light snow expected at pass levels. There will be a brief lull Tuesday, 10/3. Weather that is likely to seriously impact travel over the Sierra will likely occur Wednesday, 10/5 and Thursday, 10/6. Given that snow is forcast for the Sierra, it would be likely that the White Mountains and the Bristlecone pine forest will be affected, as well. It looks like conditions will improve on Friday.

Given the expected snow levels and the intensity of these systems, it is possible that Sonora and Tioga Passes could close; especially on Wednesday. I think your best bet is to keep an eye on the forecasts, be sure you have chains for your car, and plan accordingly.

Good luck and be safe!

--P

[John Kasaian]

The weather in the Sierras is as unpredictable as a baby's bottom,
so always have a plan "B"

Make sure your rental agency is aware you may be traveling on unpaved roads (I think Bodie road still had a stretch of dirt the last time I was there) and Bristlecone--some agency's won't allow that. Some other locations you might consider as alternatives are Mammoth, the June Lake Loop & Virginia Lakes on the eastern side and to the north there's Lake Tahoe (The casinos like to keep the roads open ) with all kinds of opportunities to shoot the classic high granite (or snow)without backpacking.

[Drew Wiley]

Always carry winter clothing and a good sleeping bag with you, along with ample food and water in the car, just in case you get stuck somewhere. The road between
Sherman Grove and the more photogenic Patriarch Grove of bristlecones is unpaved
and at high altitude. But because the White Mtns are in the rainshadow of the Sierras, snowfalls tend to be much lighter. If you dayhike any significant distance from the car, always wear decent boots suitable for snow, and have a daypack with
a sweater and parka. The weather can turn bad very very fast, even on what seems
like a perfect day at first. There are also numerous side canyon into the Sierra off Hwy which are paved to the trailhead. Some fall color will have begun at the higher
altitudes already. There will be plenty to see and shoot, in other words, lots of options to visit. Trying to get thru Yos clear into the Bristlecones is a pretty rushed
schedule for just a few days.

[Bill Burk]

Terry Hull,

Maybe you could catch up with the tail end of this get-together...

Terry Hull,

Were you aware of this get-together - seems to be same time

In the spirit of continuing the workshops/Get togethers ...October 1 (Sat) through October 5 (Wednesday) ...

[Eric Woodbury]

Anything can happen, but this storm, if it happens, will be the first of the season and typically not powerful or long lasting. Always carry supplies as mentioned above. You might get some unusual conditions that make for beautiful photography.

Here is the weather website. You can move the little red square around either with the mouse or in the URL with LAT/LONG. It will interpolate the weather for any location and in my experience of living in an odd weather location, it does a pretty good job.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...&FcstType=text

Keep an eye on the site. As the storm gets closer, they will know more. I'd say if you want to go up there and have plans, then go. You might get some wind that will blow you off the mountain. If that happens, there are lots of places in the area that are wonderful where you can get out of the weather and wind.

Have fun.

[ROL]

Specifically, there are no heavy snowfalls forecast, and I know weather being weather.....but does bristlecone get weather similar to Yosemite in terms of road closures...

Though somewhat south, probably yes – considering the standard early season cold front forecast at this time. If enough snow falls, the spur to White Mtn. from CA 168 and Westgard Pass will close.

Use the NWS links Preston has kindly supplied you with. Pay particular attention to the Forecast Discussion link at the bottom of the pages. Geez, all you amateur weathermen!

By the way, I was chased out of the High Sierra backcountry (Little Five Lakes) just last weekend by a poorly interpreted, incredibly violent storm spawned by quickly traveling cutoff low pressure (see SummitPost posting). Images not LF.

Friday Evening:


Saturday:

[Terry Hull]

Bill B. If I change my reservations to go south first because of the weather I will try to catch up with you folks. I am jinxed in my inability to get to Yosemite/Bodie/Bristlecone.

I may go to Lone Pine area, or even Stovepipe Wells first and then hope for better toward the tail end of my time, in the areas I mentioned above.

Thanks for all the help!

[Drew Wiley]

ROL - I did the loop over Franklin Pass, thru big and little 5 lks, and back over Blackrock Pass and Timber Gap just the week before. Lots of heavy hail, rain, sleet, and snow, so had to time it over the passes and back down very efficiently. Absolutely gorgeous, but inherently missed a lot of photo opportunites. Got enough
shots to play with for awhile, of course. There were some lost hikers searches going
on in the interludes choppers could fly, and I certainly hope they ended without
hypothermic fatailities. A couple of unprepared hikers earlier in the season apparently weren't so lucky.

[Terry Hull]

Is 395 south of Reno likely to be a problem if the passes further south are closed?