High Sierra Topix

Has anyone attempted the Ottoway lakes loop yet? We were wondering if the red peak is passable. Thanks!

Hello,

This was the north and south side of Red Peak Pass on June 14 of 2016...

North South This was the north and south side of Red Peak Pass on August 8 of 2011...

North South The summer of 2016 had average snow coverage, while the summer of 2011 was very similar to this season's snow coverage. There was actually more snow coverage overall during the summer of 2011 than this season, but this season seems to have much more snow at the highest elevations. However, it's currently mid July. So my best guess would be that the conditions right now have more snow than August 2011 with possibly as much as June 2016, but likely somewhere in the middle. When I climbed over the pass last summer, many people on the trail were turning back because they said the pass was impassible. Other than glissading from the top, it was in fact very passable even in the snowy conditions and without snow gear. In fact, it was arguably more dangerous and difficult during the August 2011 trip just because the suncups were so massive... Hopefully this helps gauge what the conditions are until someone can confirm...

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply and the photos! Very helpful. Really appreciate it. Gives us a lot to think about.......have a great day!

Talked to a group of 4 a couple of weeks ago who went over Red Peak Pass. They said above Lower Ottoway Lake it was mostly snow, and on the other side of the pass was all snow.

I was wondering if anyone has been in this area recently? Looking to be there in a few weeks, and want to have a few alternate plans in case the pass isn't easily 'passable' (sorry for the pun).

Hi Hulkman,

Welcome to HST!
Found this, should be helpful : http://www.yosemite.ca.us/forum/viewtop ... 089#p15648

Perfect! Thanks for the link.