Trail Conditons

[snowave]

just a dusting from what I could tell... same goes for Baldy... although I only got a few seconds glimpse of both as there's still alot of clouds in that area.

Seems the dusting level was about 8k ft

[Wrightwood]

Blue Ridge, at Frost Peak also got just a dusting

[FIGHT ON]

Thanks, I want to do pine mt ridge bad but there is rain in the evening tomorrow. not a good time to be hiking in remote places. anything can happen and I would not like being out there hurt with rain pouring on me. 

[snowave]

it will be snow tomorrow night

[FIGHT ON]

it will be snow tomorrow night

snow? great! I can just see myself now!

[FIGHT ON]

I was up on Baldy this morning and the Pine Mt. Ridge looks pretty clear of snow. But I can't see the other side of Pine Mt. Is there snow on that side? Or on the north section of the North Backbone Trail? Can someone look out your window and tell me please? 

[snowave]

As is typical this time of year, most areas that are shaded are still going to have some snow.  Right now, there is snow down to about 6,500 ft on the steeper north facing (sun protected) slopes around the area.

So yes, I'd expect some snow on a good part of the N. Backbone trail, especially from Pine Mtn over to Blue Ridge as I think the sun angle hits pretty low on a good part of that section of the trail.

[FIGHT ON]

Thanks. There are some steep sections on the ridge north of Pine Mountain. And on each side of those sections it's even steeper. I'd hate to hike all the way up the PMR and not be able to reach the Blue Ridge. 

[Dave C]

Thanks. There are some steep sections on the ridge north of Pine Mountain. And on each side of those sections it's even steeper. I'd hate to hike all the way up the PMR and not be able to reach the Blue Ridge. 

In the winter, the toughest sections on the backbone trail along the ridge from Pine Mountain to Blue Ridge will be the long exposed parts on the southern half. If there is ice there, you'll want crampons and, depending on the ice and your skill, also pickets/rope/harness/ice axe. I did part of in MSR Denali snowshoes and studded footwear last year in worse conditions than now. I turned around with my wife when we got to the most exposed part, and returned to Blue Ridge and then down to our house. Our friends had more technical gear with them, and they continued until about 2:30 and turned around to avoid a deadly return in the dark. After that, we both resolved to get crampons for some of the sketchier places around here.

[FIGHT ON]

In the winter, the toughest sections on the backbone trail along the ridge from Pine Mountain to Blue Ridge will be the long exposed parts on the southern half. If there is ice there, you'll want crampons and, depending on the ice and your skill, also pickets/rope/harness/ice axe. I did part of in MSR Denali snowshoes and studded footwear last year in worse conditions than now. I turned around with my wife when we got to the most exposed part, and returned to Blue Ridge and then down to our house. Our friends had more technical gear with them, and they continued until about 2:30 and turned around to avoid a deadly return in the dark. After that, we both resolved to get crampons for some of the sketchier places around here.

I bought some microspikes for icy spots on other "trails" but don't want to rely  them for that section. I don't have ropes or crampons etc. Did you take any pictures?

[Dave C]

I don't have them handy. The problem with micro-spikes and studs, or even crampons, on exposed sections is that you still need something to arrest an icy fall down a chute or ridge. One time, I slid down a chute, unable to stop myself, and put my snowshoes against a tree.

[FIGHT ON]

Oh yeah? How fast were you going when you hitt the tree?

[Dave C]

Gosh, I don't know. I was worried, so fast enough. A bit harrowing.

[mtntrekker]

For the backbone trail in the winter, you're going to want crampons.  Get anti-balling plates to help keep snow from building up on the bottoms (spraying with oil or even cooking spray can help too). Also, an ice ax is a must.  You'll want to maintain two points of contact when you take a step.  With the exposed side/shade/sun/wind/etc, I imagine you'll have a variety of kinds of snow and ice to deal with in the section from Blue Ridge to Pine Mt. I'd hate to take the big ride down one of those chutes.

[kawasaki_girl]

sounds fun!
Imma gonna dust off my crampons and Ice axe!!!

[chickipie]

Possibly a silly question but hoping someone has an answer. Id like to know if the trail to the mines is clear. with "all" this snow I wanted to make sure. (obviously that is a joke) anyone??

[snowave]

as of last week, there were reportedly only a few patches remaining along the trail.  However, if those patches are along any of the slide areas, it could be a long way down if you slip.

[Nolena]

Sometimes I carry my folding shovel for that trail to level it out across the slide areas.

[FIGHT ON]

Does anyone know if the Blue Ridge Truck Trail/Forest Service Road 3N06 is open from the 2 near Inspiration Point to the north end of the North Backbone Trail?
map

Still closed?

[Wrightwood]

The last I heard: it would be closed until Memorial weekend due to contractor work in the area.