A White Christmas
Clear skies and snowy peaks is the Christmas Day forecast here in the Southland. Expect impressive coverage above 9000 feet or so, and ice forests around the snow line. Here's a shot of current conditions on West Baldy's face, rising high above downtown—the classic postcard view from Kenneth Hahn State Park. Merry Christmas everyone!
— December 24, 2010
Andy Lewicky is the author and creator of SierraDescents
Dan Conger December 26, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Hey Andy,
Is Iron Mountain the lower peak on the left side of Baldy with just a hint of snow on the top?
Dan Conger December 26, 2010 at 6:01 pm
By the way, you should try to sell this to the LA chamber of commerce or something. My Dad and I are heading up to Mammoth tomorrow. I'll let you know how it was.
Andy December 26, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Yeah, Iron Mountain is the roundish hump left and down from Mt. Baldy's summit. I believe the white peak right above Iron is Pine Mountain.
This view does a good job showing how close Iron Mtn actually is to downtown. At the same time, it is the most strenuous and remote summit in the San Gabriels--which is saying something. :)
Curt Desilets December 27, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Got up to Baldy on Sunday December 26. Perfect overnight storm dumped about a foot of relatively dry powder on top of Thunder Mountain. SB County Department of Works guy held up the road until about 1030am, then let us up. Evidently he let about a million snow players up as the drive home was crazy. Another cold storm expected Tuesday 12/28 pm. These are great storms for increasing snow cover. Loved reading your Baldy piece about the girly-man chutes. Sounds like an adventure. Pray for snow and less rain. Peace.