Has anyone been on or around Mt Langley recently? Was wondering the conditions of New Army Pass or the cottonwood lakes area. Just checking if it's passable right now.

Thanks,
Cody

Passable by hiking boots and trekking poles or ice axe and crampons.

If I can get by with the latter, I consider it passable.

Generally, there is a cornice at the top into July. My guess it will be gonzo sometime in June or early July based on past experience.

So far the road has been closed due to so many rocks on the road. Road crews are working on getting it open for the summer.

So you need to check with Inyo County road department before anything else.

The Cottonwood Lakes snow depth monitor (See the bottom of the Mt Whitney weather page) shows no snow at 10,000' elevation.

Hmm, I was under the assumption that the road was cleared but I see that it is not. Hopefully they can get it open by memorial day weekend. I read in the past that this is usually their opening date.

Thanks for the info.
Cody

Just found this posted on wpsmb at 4:30 PM:

I called today (Monday 5-7-2012), and they said that the road to Horseshoe Meadow officially opened 1/2 hour ago.

Awesome news! Now we will get some TRs from that area. I will be sure to post one as well (may 28th - may 30th).

-Cody

What is the current condition? Do you know? I did not see any TR but I hope you made to the summit.

thanks,

Nei

Nei, judging from what I have seen reported on other mountains, and the picture posted by 2600fromatari in the other thread, it is most likely clear all the way to the summit.

Langley is clear all passes are mostly free of snow walked up twice in last couple weeks in running shoes no crampons or spikes needed.

MW85

Awesome!

Thank you, guys!

How much bear activity is there in this area (Cottonwood Lakes trail)? I was thinking about camping at the lakes with my dog but if if there are a lot of bears around I don't feel very comfortable letting him off the leash (he's a big dummy and would probably piss a bear off and then bring it right to me)