Another snow trip?

Somethings up with my computer, it wont let me post a hyper link, so will have to do this old school

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.70568929943698&lon=-119.64969635009765&site=hnx&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text

If you are driving north on Hwy 41, and if others are driving in from 140 or 120, then the only logical place to meet is at the Chinquapin intersection, which is the intersection of 41 and the Glacier Point Road (gateway to Badger Pass). That intersection has a restroom building, a lot of highway signs, and a snow chain control checkpoint (assuming that chains are required).

There are no camp sites anywhere around Badger Pass.

–B.G.–

Thanks Bob, I hoped you were still watching this thread, any other suggestions that might work for us?

If you guys decide your going to do the Mariposa Grove on Friday night, you could meet in Wawona since you are going to need to pick up a permit at the ranger station.

Don't forget to bring extra shovels Jack and I am not talking about that trowel you brought last time. Snow is in the forecast and I hear that sometimes they don't plow the parking lot for the Mariposa Grove (haha).

You have one primary destination, and you have one fall-back destination (Mariposa Grove, but you've already been there recently). You might want to cook up another fall-back destination in the event of a big snow, which might close the Glacier Point Road altogether.

The first place that comes to mind would be around the Crane Flat Intersection, which is the highway intersection of 120, 120 Tioga Road, and the New Big Oak Flat Road to the valley. There is a road up to the Crane Fire Lookout, which would be good for a clear sky day. There is a road down into the Tuolumne Grove, which would be good for a bad weather day. You want to check with the ranger station to find out where it is legal.

For that matter, we used to park there and ski east on the Tioga Road. After a couple of miles uphill, you get to the gate, and from there on east, you will have the place to yourselves.

There's all kinds of places to go in the park. Unfortunately, you can't start from Yosemite Valley without doing a 3000' climb out. Starting from the East Side is great, but it is logistically impractical.

–B.G.–

Looks like the snow will start around 11:00 a.m. on Fri. with the biggest dump Fri. night, around 8-10 inches, then just a chance on Sat., Sun.

For those going on the Snow trip my cell is 408-858-3583.
Rick

Sorry I couldn't post earlier I was out roller skating with my daughter, quality time you know, any how, I got some more info for us tonight. I think for Fri. night we should stick to Maraposa Grove, or Wawwona camp, near the hotel lodging. Wawwona has good parking and a store near by if we need any last minute items, we can stay at either place Fri. night and then see what Sat. brings as far as weather. I feel safer doing this since I don't know how many of us have winter hiking/camping expereince, and there is a nice little storm coming in on Fri. night. If everyone comes up hwy 41 we could meet in Oakhurst and maybe just take 2-3 cars insted of 4, and everyone could pitch in for the entrance fee. I will be calling the rangers tomorrow and ask more questions, like , do we need a bear canister if we go up to Dewey Point, and othere things, as soon as I get home I will post, or if you prefer I can call everyone.
If we do get to make it to Dewey Point we will need a permit, which we can get at Badger Pass. I will try to down load the park maps and bring them with me when I come, any questions or concerns please post them. Thanks,Jack

I am not aware of any official Yosemite park maps that show much beyond summer trails. Dewey Point is not on any summer trail. What you want is the map called Glacier Point Winter Trails. The last print that I saw was (c)2006.

–B.G.–

My gut feeling is to go straight to Badger pass and check out the Friday night snow but I think I should listen to people with more winter camping experience. Jack, I think that is a good idea. I am up for meeting in Oakhurst and traveling together. If we can meet up early enough then we can still snowshoe into Mariposa or some other spot and set up camp. Saturday morning we can reassess the situation and either go up to Badger or find some place easier to get to. The only downside is that if there is 10 inches of snow it may take them a while to clear the roads, during which time we will be limited to where we can go.

I think we should head up the hill to Badger fri. and beat the snow, that way we will be there for the good days sat and sun.

Here is a link to the Official Winter Trail Topo Map PDFs for Glacier Point Rd., Mariposa Grove and Crane Flat. These maps actually have a Ski Trail Rating.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/brochures.htm
I found them using search term "winter trail map yosemite".

I'm not exactly what time I will be arriving on Friday due to work issues. I may get there early or not. I won't know till tomorrow afternoon or evening. Once you get meet up time and location dialed in please let me know. I'm flexible with the plans.

As far as my snow camping experience goes years ago I use to go all the time.
I recently completed a Sierra Club Snow Camping Course, so basically my snow skills are rusty with a little fresh oil. I own snow shovels, back-country skis and all the gear.

Years ago it use to be okay to snow camp anywhere one mile past Badger Pass as long as you were out of site of Glacier Point Road. The rules may be different now.

I like the idea of being near Badger Pass Friday night if possible.

Rick

Yes, that is the same 2006 map that I mentioned.

–B.G.–

Hi Guys,

Here is the link to the localized weather by Badger Pass.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.714244967649265&lon=-119.57794189453125&site=hnx&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text
Through the weekend we can expect 1' to 2' of snow and lots of wind.
So, when and where is the planned meetup location and if I can't make it till later in the day on Friday how will I find out where you guys are? You have my cell number so you can call or txt me but if it doesn't work what's the plan?

Rick

Ok, here's the plan, let's try and meet at Badger Pass around 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon on Fri. more towards 10:00 a.m. if possible. Then we will take the easier route to Dewey Point 3.5 miles. Adam is meeting me in Oakhurst and we will car pool from there. Rick if you can't make it till later, would you like us to wait for you, or just hike up to Dewey and start setting up camp? I don't mind waiting, but the sooner we start hiking the better chance we have of beating the biggest part of the snow storm. If anyone gets there sooner than me and Adam, hike on, we'll find you.

Thanks for the update! Don't wait for me. I'll come in on the trail you have listed and look for you. I will be on skis.

Where do we pick up our permits and what type of car will you be driving. I'll be in a Forest Green Subaru Legacy with ski racks and a P90X sticker on the back left side.

I will be driving a 2008 Chevy Silverado reg. cab, white with a camper shell on top. You get the permits at the a-frame structure, if no one is there you can do a self issue permit. Give all the info to someone so they have an itenary of our weekend. I will give my wife everyones phone #'s and car info if you have it posted here. I plan on being back home by at least 9:00 p.m. after that my wife will start calling my friends with the info I leave her, so they know where to look if something goes wrong. My license plate # is 8R61189 ca. plates

Thanks! Is the a-frame structure at Badger Pass?

Richard,

Yes, the A-frame is the winter ranger station near the ski area where you can pick up your permit.

Thanks David!

I wonder how these guys are doing?

This is a huge storm, 28" of new snow yesterday.

Glad I did not go….Jack, report in when you get home please. Let us know how it went

I didn't make the trip. I ended up working all day Friday till 4 am Saturday. By that time it was dumping rain at my place and I was wiped out from the all nighter. I have almost 5" of rain so far and two small mud slide on my driveway.

I hope the guys are enjoying the snow.

Rick

i have called jack three times this afternoon /evening the first time his phone went straight to voicemail but the last two times it rang 6 or 7 times and then went to voicemail which gives me the indication that it had been turned on at some point after the first time i called him he has yet to call me back so if i do not hear from him in the next couple of hours i will try to call him again i figure the weather probably slowed travel quite a bit with all the snow/rain /traffic
plus they probably had to dig the truck/vehicles out of the snow and probably had to put chains on them

we will wait and see

kevin

Kevin,

Thanks for posting and please let us know when you get in touch with Jack.

Sure he is fine, but it will be a relief to confirm that they are all safe.

-Tony