California Peak - West Slope Conditions

[rmiller]

I am curious if anybody knows the snow conditions on the western slopes of the Southern Sangres currently. Also, for those that have climbed California Peak via the West Ridge, does the route come across any avalanche terrain to be concerned about? From looking at a topo, it looks fairly safe if you stick to the ridge, but you never know by just looking at a topo. Thanks!

[burningthebushes]

Sangres should have no lack of snow. If you stay on the ridge you should be pretty safe avy wise. When you break out of the trees there's a rounded ridge that could get funky and there's slopes above a flat area before you push up to the summit ridge that might have some aspects that could go if they are loaded. But all that said, most of the areas that would be of any concern are probably wind scoured and safe. If you needed some extra excitement you could go through Zapata falls, an easy solo at WI2 or 2-, I've never heard of anybody doing that.

[Kirk Mallory]

I climbed California in January, and at that time, conditions were very dry with very little snow. I made it up easily without snowshoes. But now? Probably a different story. I'm sure the route is still safe, but there's a lot of snow there now. I visited the Sand Dunes last Sunday, and all the high peaks in the Sangres were pretty white. This shot is of California, 13660, and Twin Peaks that I took on my way out from the Sand Dunes.

[rmiller]

I appreciate the beta. The trail to Zapata Lake is boot packed nicely or melted out. I had some issues with post holing on the ridge below treeline, although I found if I stayed on the Southern side of the ridge, the snow pack was often supportive or melted out. No avy concerns above treeline.