Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

A buddy and I set out Saturday morning to head up (we departed late around 8 AM) towards university peak and see how the corn harvest was going in Onion Valley. The road is open up to 7,000 ft with some bushwhacking / hiking required to get to consistent snow around 7,500 ft. There are numerous rocks and avalanche debris paths crossing the road.

Snow was firm in the morning making for easy travel. There were numerous wet loose avalanches visible on solar aspects, including some sizable slides in Independence Couloir. There’s about 5-7 ft of snow on the ground at Onion Valley Campground.

Wind was very light; North and west aspect began softening around 11 AM above 11k ft. We made it to Robinson Lake and decided to descend at 1 PM to make the most of the snow on the lower elevations. One party ahead of us reported starting at 6 AM but only made it to the base of University Peak before snow became ripe.

We had some great corn turns and skied down on the south side of Independence Creek, opting to cross at the old access road about 7,250 ft. The snow along the creek is becoming rotten and voids were noticeable. Be wary if you chose this route.

It was nice to tour in a different zone and get solid descent in with soft snow.

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow