SMS Trip Reports

Submit trip reports to both the Mugelnoos Editor
or the Mugelspinner.

Updated March 6, 2023 by Reiner Stenzel

Trip Report Index

For your convenience there an Alphabetic Summary of the trip reports. Each entry opens a report.

If you want to search for any word in the SMS website do an advanced search with Google as follows:

Open http://www.google.com.

Enter your desired word XYZ followed by site: http://skimountaineerssectionlachaptersc.org/. It will open every file containing the word XYZ in the SMS website.

Example: Click on Cirque Crest to find every file containing it.

If you want to see full-size images click on the thumbnail-sized photos embedded in the reports. Your monitor should have a resolution of at least 1280 pixels in width, better 1680x1050.

Enjoy to read the reports, see the many color pictures and some movies. You'll find a great variety of SMS activities including ski trips, summer climbing and hiking trips, beginners and advanced trips, local and foreign trips. If you like what we are doing, join the fun! If you have done it for a while become a leader and continue the tradition.

If you want to post a report of your trip, scheduled or private, do the following: Send text and pictures by e-mail to the active webmaster. A trip report typically includes information about date, location, people, level of skiing/climbing/hiking, route finding, weather, anything unusual or exciting or other personal experiences. Digital pictures should be of good quality and adequate size (say 1000 pixels wide, jpeg format).

And don't forget the Slideshow with many fine pictures!

• 2022-2023
• 2021-2022
• 2020-2021
• 2019-2020
• 2018-2019
• 2017-2018
• 2016-2017
• 2015-2016
• 2014-2015
• 2013-2014
• 2012-2013
• 2011-2012
• 2010-2011
• 2009-2010
• 2008-2009
• 2007-2008
• 2006-2007
• 2005-2006
• 2004-2005
• 2003-2004
• 2002-2003
• 2001-2002
• 2000-2001
• 1999-2000
• 1998-1999
• 1997-1998
• 1996-1997
• 1995-1996
• 1994-1995
• 1990-1994

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SMS Trip Reports 2022-2023
Updated March 6, 2023

In 2022-2023 the winter exceeds any expectations. From Dec 22 it started and still continues to snow sometimes as low as 1500' snow. Travel, avalanche, deep snow are the dangers. Reservoirs are filled, Parks are closed, roads are closed, high winds broke trees and powerlines leaving no electricity at times. This will be a stories for a long time about.

Hawai and Kauai

Jan 18-26, 2023

Reiner Stenzel

Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2020-2021
Updated Oct 16, 2022

In 2021-2022 the snow level was again below normal. It rained in late Dec 2021 and in early January 2022 but only a little in Feb and Mar. Northern Sierra was ok for skiing but so-so in SoCal.

Exploring Arizona's Nature	Apr 13-24, 2022	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Exploring Adventures in Wyoming	Oct 5-11, 2022	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2020-2021
Updated Oct 16, 2022

In 2020-2021 the snow level was 50 percent of normal. It rained in Dec and Feb but little in Jan and Mar. The temperature is growing, the wildfires are burning. The pandema continues to reign the world which altered life, economies, politics, etc. Ski mountaineering trips with large groups were not allowed.

Crater Lake, Oregon	Apr 8-11, 2021	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Elephant Rock, Lakes	July 15-17, 2021	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Southern OR, Northern CA	July 29-Aug 6, 2021	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Oregon's Coast in the Fall	Oct 22-26, 2021	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2019-2020
Updated Dec 7, 2020

In 2019-2020 the snow level was below normal. It rained in Dec 2019 but not in Jan, little in Feb and Mar. And then a pandema came across the world which altered life, economies, politics, etc. Ski mountaineering trips of large groups were not allowed.

Jackass Lakes, Madera Peak	June 22-25, 2020	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Grouse and Bear Lakes	July 3-5, 2020	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
White Mtn and Saddleback Lakes	July 12-16, 2020	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Blackcap Mtn and Basin	Aug 16-22, 2020	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Redwoods National Park	Oct 23-26, 2020	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
June Lake, Crater Mtn	Nov 28 - Dec 5, 2020	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2018-2019
Updated July 26, 2019

The 2018-2019 was an unexpected snow year. It rained almost every week from Dec-March. The Sierra got 200% of the average snow fall. Road access was difficult, but a skiers dream came through.

San Gorgonio, San Jacinto	March 22-23, 29-30, 2019	May Adachi	Photos
Slot Canyons and Backcountry Skiing	April 30-May 4, 2019	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Olancha Ridge	April 27, May 4, 2019	May Adachi	Photos
Pinnacles with Condors	June 7-9, 2019	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Views from the top	June 12, July 12, 2019	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Lakes of the Desolation Wilderness	July 18-24, 2019	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Day hike of Mt Whitney	Sep 2, 2019	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
White Mountain and Sierra Fall Colors	Oct 3-6, 2019	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2017-2018
Updated Aug 19, 2018

The 2017-2018 initially looked bleak, but in February good storms moved in. Unfortunately, no March Miracle. Northern Sierra got average snow fall, but SoCal was below the average.

Highlights from New Zealand	Apr 9-22, 2018	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Sonora Pass Tours	May 19-20, 2018	Bill Lutz	Photos
Three Sisters, Dogtooth and Dinkey Lks	June 2-8, 2018	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Granite Park and Bear Lakes	July 18-24, 2018	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Desolation Wilderness	Aug 14-18, 2018	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Pioneers Basin	Oct 1-5, 2018	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Hiking California's Lost Coast	Oct 11-14, 2018	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Pickering et al in Miter Basin	Oct 15-17, 2018	May Adachi	Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2016-2017
Updated Nov 30, 2017

The 2016-2017 initially looked bleak, but the surprise came in Dec-Feb storms. Northern Sierra got the brunt of an atmospheric river, but SoCal got its share too.

Powder on Pinos	Jan 14, 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Mammoth Ski Weekend	Jan 13-16, 2017	Tom Marsh	Photos
Pear Lake Ski Trip	Feb 17-19, 2017	Tom Marsh	Photos
Winter in Oregon	Feb 17-23, 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Long Mtn, Isberg Pk	Jul 20-25, 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Ansel Adams and Yosemite XC Hike	Aug 5-12, 2017	Tom Marsh and May Adachi	Photos
Alaska	Aug 11-20, 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Kearsarge and Bago	Sep 2017	May Adachi and Bill Lutz	Photos
Skyline-Sea Hike	Sep 15-17, 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Sierra Nevada Fall Colors	Oct 10-21, 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Antonia Cedar	Nov 4, 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Memories of R. J. Secor	December 2017	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2015-2016
Updated Aug 17, 2016

The 2015-2016 season was supposed to be an El Nino Year but it materialized mainly in the Northern Sierra.
Private ski trips were done to Mammoth Mtn, Pear Lake and Mt Shasta. Summer hikes were also done.

Starr King	January 2016	Alvin Walter	Photos
Thru-hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail	June 23-July 3, 2016	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Steve Ropers High Sierra Trail	Aug 6-14, 2016	Tom Marsh	Photos

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SMS Trip Reports 2014-2015
Updated Sep 29, 2014

Rock Creek Ski Tours	Feb 13-15, 2015	Tom Marsh	Photos
Pear Lake Hut	March 1-4, 2015	Bill Lutz	Photos
Dual Trans Sierra Hikes	Aug 15-23, 2015	Tom Marsh and Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 2013-2014 season was worse than that of the previous year. Hoping for an El Nino to come soon.

Pacific Crest Trail, Oregon	June-July, 2014	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Pacific Crest Trail, Washington	July-Aug, 2014	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 2012-2013 season had a low snowpack which was bad for skiing, but good for hiking.

Pacific Crest Trail, SoCal	Apr-May, 2013	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Pacific Crest Trail, High Sierra	May-June, 2013	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Pacific Crest Trail, NoCal	June-July, 2013	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 2011-2012 season was dismal.

The Wapta Ski Traverse	Apr 25-29, 2012	Sung Byun and Don Ralphs	Photos
Chumash Wilderness Revisited	May 19-20, 2012	May Adachi	Photos
Iridescent Lake	Aug 16-19, 2012	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 2010-2011 season was very a good one. We had many good storms in Dec, Jan, Feb and March, resulting in an above-average snow level.

Blue Couloir and Mammoth Crest	April 23-24, 2011	Ted Lenzie	Photos
Chumash Wilderness	June 24-25, 2011	May Adachi	Photos
Grinnell Ridge and Mountain	July 23-24, 2011	May Adachi	Photos
San Antonio Falls	Summer 2011	Alvin Walter	Photos
Pioneers Basin	Aug 5-7, 2011	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Big Willi with Two Horns	Sep 2-5, 2011	May Adachi	Photos

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The 2009-2010 season is a good one. We had storms in Dec, Jan, Feb and March, resulting in an above-average snow level. Thanks, Ullr!

Pinos-Sawmill-Grouse Ski-Party	Feb 20, 2010	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Oak Creek	February 2010	Alvin Walter	Photos
Rock Creek Yurt Trip	March 6-8, 2010	Tom Marsh	Photos
Snow Camp 2010	March 20, 2010	Alvin Walter	Photos
Galena Chute	March 2010	Alvin Walter	Photos
Shepherd Pass, etc	April 10-17, 2010	Alvin Walter	Photos
Climbing Spitzen in Tirol	June-July, 2010	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Muro Blanco	Aug 4-6, 2010	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Alaska Skiing in August	Aug 16-20, 2010	Alvin Walter	Photos

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The 2008-2009 season started out not too bad, but then precipitation fell below the average. Some people think we get less snow now than in the past. But look at the facts: Rainfall stats for LA for the last 130 years shows no significant change, just large fluctuations around the mean. Alvin led a lot of challenging trips. The summer was long and great for hiking/climbing in the Sierras. In the Fall Owen reminded us we should celebrate the 75'th Birthday of the SMS, which was founded in 1934. Keith Martin made a request to Angeles Chapter to shut down the SMS due to some technicalities, his usual method to control others. The SMS Potluck was a great success. We have a new Central Committee and have many outings planned for the upcoming season. All we need is snow!

East San Bernardino Pk	Feb 21, 2009	Alvin Walter	Photos
GoodeCyn-Baldy	Feb 8, 28, 2009	Alvin Walter	Photos
Red Slate Couloir	Mar 28-29, 2009	Alvin Walter	Photos
Mt McAdie	April 18-19, 2009	Alvin Walter	Photos
Lytle Creek to Baldy	April 25, 2009	Alvin Walter	Photos
Sierra High Route in 2 Days	April 22-23, 2009	Scott Bornheimer	Photos
Mt. Baden Powell	April 26, 2009	Mark Goebel	Photos
Goddard et al	May 9-17, 2009	Alvin Walter	Photos
Comb Spur, Volcanic Lakes	Aug 6-9, 2009	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 2007-2008 season started with some rain in December 07, but with all the global warming hype, nobody expected the rains we got in January and early February. We are already well above the annual precipitation and may be looking for a long ski season, so we thought. Then came March without rain, April without rain, May without rain. Where have all the snowflakes gone? Ok, there was a parting shot on the Memorial Day weekend with a "dump" of 6 inches, but that's it. Officially, CA is again in a drought.

Mt Baldy	Jan 12, 2008	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Mammoth Lakes Ski Tour	Jan 18-21, 2008	Tom Marsh	Photos
Alto Diablo, San Gorgonio Wilderness	Feb 2, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Pinos and Pine, Sawmill and Grouse	Feb & Dec, 2008	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Cedar Canyon	Feb 2, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
The Dragon's Head	Feb 9, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Galena Peak	Feb 23, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Rock Creek	Mar 6-8, 2008	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Onion Valley	Apr 5-6, 2008	Tom Marsh, Randy Lamm	Photos
Mt Lyell	April 7-13, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Mt Goode	April 14, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Rock Creek Intro Trip	April 25-27, 2008	Lorene Samoska	Photos
Birch Mtn	April 26, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
South Lake	April 26-27, 2008	Bill Lutz	Photos
Evolution Valley	Apr 26-30, 2008	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Mt Williamson	May 10-11, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Mt Powell	May 24-25, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
2008 Baldy Work Party	June 6-8, 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Caltech and Versteeg	July 18-22, 2008	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Hawksbeak, Ehrnbeck and Tower	July 28 - Aug 2, 2008	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Mount Kilimanjaro	Summer 2008	Alvin Walter	Photos
Rocky Mountains	Aug 29 - Sep 1, 2008	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Paria Canyon, Utah	October 2008	Randy Lamm	Photos

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So far, the 2006-2007 season has left much to be desired. The snow fell mostly in Washington and Colorado, leaving us dry, low and cold. And cold it was! In early January the lows broke 30 year records. The Sierra snowfall was only 50% of normal. Let's pray to Ullr for some white stuff! Well, we got some in Feb/March, but not exactly a miracle. By mid-March the warm winds wiped out much of it. Too bad, no March miracle, not even April showers, few May flowers, and the rest is history. In July the truth came out: Annual precipitation: Only 3 inches in L.A. (less than in Death Valley!)

Jackson Hole, WY	Jan 1, 2007	Lorene Samoska	Photos
Canada 2007	Holidays 2007	Alvin Walter	Photos
Mammoth with Duck & Chicken	Jan 12-15, 2007	Tom Marsh, Lorene Samoska and Mike Seiffert	Photos
Ostrander Hut	Feb 9-11, 2007	Leslie Hofherr	Photos
Twin Peaks, Silliman Crest	Mar 9-11, 2007	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Private Trips	March-April, 2007	Bill Lutz, Alvin Walter	Photos
Rock Creek Intro Tour	May 12-13, 2007	Mike Seiffert and Lorene Samoska	Photos
Grand Canyon	June 2-4, 2007	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Wonoga and Trail	June 30, 2007	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Iceland	August 2007	Alvin Walter	Photos
Miter and Major General	Sep 11-14, 2007	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Innsbrucker Klettersteig, Brandjochspitze	Oct 6, 14, 2007	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Aerial view of Greenland	Oct 25, 2007	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 2005-2006 season began promising with good precipitation in December and early January. Alas, that was it so far. Dry winds, no local snow, intro trips all canceled. Waiting for a March Miracle... And it came with a vengence! Through mid-April many weekends were stormed out and trips postponed. We had an above-average snow season. But spring skiing was short since the stormy weather turned rapidly into summer heat and the snow became slush and rotten. Summer hikes encountered difficult stream crossings. Summer was dry and hot.

Skiing in Tirol	Jan-Feb, 2006	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
San Gorgonio Snowcamp	March 11-12, 2006	Alvin Walter	Photos
Mt Baldy and San Gorgonio	March 24-25, 2006	Alvin Walter	Photos
Glass Flow Meadows	April 1-2, 2006	Randy Lamm	Photos
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail	June 11-15, 2006	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Parker and Parker	July 1 and 15, 2006	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Silver Divide	Aug 13-19, 2006	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
New Zealand	August 2006	Alvin Walter	Photos
Traverse of the Alps	Sep 1-8, 2006	Reiner Stenzel	Photos & Movie
Alice and Hurd	Oct 7-8, 2006	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 2004-2005 season began with some unpredicted big storms around the end of the year. Local mountains got so much snow that most roads were closed. By January many regions had already exceeded the annual average precipitation. We had Seattle weather in Los Angeles. Skiing in the local mountains was superb, even better in the Sierra Nevada, but many trips had to be modified due to weather and road conditions. Snow in the high country lasted well into the summer. We also had some nice summer climbing trips.

Angeles Crest Tour - New Years Eve	Dec 31, 2004	Randy Lamm	Photos
N Couloir on Carson Peak	Jan 23, 2005	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Skiing on Mauna Kea	Feb 5, 2005	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Skiing and Mountain Biking on Mt Abel	Feb 13, 2005	Lorene Samoska	Photos & Movie
Winter Traverse of the Tableland	Feb 19-23, 2005	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
San Gorgonio Wilderness	Mar 5-6, 2005	Alvin Walter	Photos
The Wapta Traverse (Canada's High Route)	Apr 4-9, 2005	Jonathan Meagher, Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Rock Creek Intro Tour	May 14-15, 2005	Lorene Samoska	Photos
Norway and Greenland	July 2-9, 2005	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Amelia Earhart, Simmons, Parsons	Sep 2-6, 2005	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Church Dome	Sep 24-25, 2005	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
10-Year Anniversary of the SMS Website	Dec 21, 2005		New Report

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The 2003-2004 season began with some big storms in December. January was initially dry, but good storms followed at the end of January and in February. March was warm and dry. Got some snow early in April, then another heat wave. First of May, mosquitoes bit us while snow camping. Mid May was almost the end of skiing in the Sierras. But in mid June we still had great skiing on the Washington volcanoes.

From July to October we also had a great summer outings program of peak climbing in the Sierra Nevada.

Judah and Lincoln	Jan 31, 2004..............	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Traverse of the Tableland (changed to Wonderland)	Feb 14-16, 2004	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Crater Mtn (Mono Craters)	Feb 28, 2004	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Olancha Peak	March 6-7, 2004	Jan StAmand	New Photos
Kratka Ridge to Mt. Waterman	March 6, 2004	Randy Lamm	Photos
Mt Mary Austin	April 2-4, 2004	Jim Crouch	New Photos & Movies
Mt Locke (Wahoo Gullies)	April 10-11, 2004	Randy Lamm, Reiner Stenzel	New Photos & Movies
Gibbs and Gaylor	May 1-2, 2004	Jonathan Meagher, Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Blue Couloir	May 15, 2004	Michael Seiffert	Photos
Sierra Crest Tour (South Lake to Taboose)	May 15-19, 2004	Tom Marsh, Reiner Stenzel	New Photos & Movies
Skiing the Washington Volcanoes	Jun 12-20, 2004	Reiner Stenzel et. al.	New Photos
Ansel Adams et al	Jul 28-Aug 1, 2004	Mark Goebel, Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Black Divide Exploration	Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2004	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Carl Heller et al	Sep 21-24, 2004	Reiner Stenzel, R.J. Secor	Photos
The Inconsolable Range	Sep 26, 2004	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Farquhar and North Guard	Oct 1-4, 2004	Jim Crouch, Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Rich Henke's Ski Tours	1991-2004	Rich Henke	New Reports

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The 2002-2003 season began with light snow in November, big storms in December, followed by a two-month drought in January and February with only a few minor storms. The season was saved by big storms in April and May ("Mayuary").

Skiting on the San Joaquin Ridge	Jan 11, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Telescope Peak	Feb 15-16, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Kaiser Peak	Feb 28 - Mar 21, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Boundary Peak	Mar 8-9, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Slate Mountain & Jordan Peak	Mar 23-24, 2003	Mike McDermitt	New Photos
Northern Sierra Peaks	Apr 10-14, 2003	Leslie Hofherr	New Photos
Robinson Basin	Apr 19-20, 2003	Randy Lamm	Photo
Duck Pass	Apr 25-27, 2003	Randy Lamm
Yosemite Trans-Sierra	Apr 27-May 5, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Stanford and Morgan	May 17-18, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
North Lake to Pine Creek	May 17-21, 2003	Tom Marsh	New
Taboose Pass Base Camp	May 23-25, 2003	Alvin Walter
Skiing the Oregon Volcanoes	Jun 14-22, 2003	Reiner Stenzel et. al.	New Photos
Columbine, Isoceles, etc.	Jul 19-27, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Feather Peak	Aug 16-17, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt. Marsh	Sep 28, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Painted Lady	Oct 10-11, 2003	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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The 2001-2002 season began with heavy snow in November and December, followed by a two-month drought in January and February. Things improved in March.

Pear Lake	Feb 22-25, 2002	Randy Lamm	Photos
Mammoth Ski Weekend	Mar 9-10, 2002	Owen Maloy	Photo
Ski Mountaineers Peak	Apr 6-7, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
SMS Peak Revisited	Apr 13-14, 2002	Lorene Samoska
Mt.Wood	Apr 13, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Cirque Crest Trans-Sierra	Apr 27-May 4, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Excelsior Mtn and Sonora Pass	May 18-19, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mammoth Day Trips	May 18-19, 2002	Gerry Holleman	Photos
Skiing Mt. Brewer	May 24-27, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Memorial Weekend '02	May 25-27, 2002	Randy Lamm	Photos
Homers Nose	June 15-16, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Three Sisters Wilderness, Oregon	July 4-7, 2002	Tom Marsh	New
Mt Abbot et al	July 5-12, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt Kaweah et al	Aug 15-22, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Three Sisters List Finisher	Sep 21, 2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Some List Finish Trips	2001-2010	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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The 2000-2001 season was another low snow year with very cold ocean temperatures. There was good snow at Thanksgiving but then little new snow until mid-January. The snow was going fast in early April, but two April storm cycles gave us a few more good weeks. The base was thin, so that the snow disappeared rapidly after mid-May. In spite of the lower snow cover, this season featured a renaissance of the climbing aspect of ski mountaineering. A number of trips involved peak climbs with ropes, ice axes, and crampons. The season produced a great series of ski photos. See the individual trip reports.

Snow-Starved Downhill Weekend	Jan 6-7, 2001	Owen Maloy	Photos
Waterman	Feb 3, 2001	Mark Goebel
Pear Lake	Feb 23-25, 2001	Randy Lamm	Photos
Mt. San Jacinto	Mar 3, 2001	Randy Lamm
Two Teats	Mar 3, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Baldy Hut Weekend	Mar 10-11, 2001	Don Pies	Photos
Mt. Baden-Powell	Mar 25, 2001	Randy Lamm	Photos
Red and White	Mar 25-26, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt. Perkins	Mar 31-Apr 1, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Pickering and Joe Devel	Apr 14-18, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Ski White Wing and June Mt.	Apr 21-22, 2001	Randy Lamm	Photos
False White	Apr 30, 2001	Owen Maloy	Photos
Ski Tinemaha	May 5-6, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Dunderberg and Dana	May 12-13, 2001	Gerry Holleman	Photos
Center, Keith, and Bradley	May 12-15, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
McGee Creek to Mammoth Lakes	May 12-15, 2001	Tom Marsh	New Photos
Winchell and Thunderbolt	Jun 1-4, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Ski Mt. Hood	Jun 16-18, 2001	Owen Maloy	Photos
Palisade Crest and Norman Clyde	June 16-19, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Devil's Crag #1	Jul 24, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Tunemah et al	Aug 24-28, 2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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The 1999-2000 season was another La Niña year with hardly any snow until February, and essentially normal snowfall from February through May. Runoff was rapid, so that Sierra was almost free of snow by July (compare with 1995!)

Alta Peak Ski Mountaineering	Feb 11-13, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
A Week at Ruedi's	Mar 4-11, 2000	Randy Lamm	Photos
Little Onion Valley	Mar 11-12, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Birch Mtn	Mar 25-26, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Elderberry Canyon - Onion Valley	Apr 8-9, 2000	Tom Marsh	Photos
La Vallée Blanche	Apr 21, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Chicks On Sticks	Apr 24-28, 2000	Diann Fried
Onion-MinKing Trans-Sierra	Apr 29-May 6, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
San Joaquin Peak Tour	May 6, 2000	Mark Goebel
Bishop Pass - Virginia Lakes	May 13-20, 2000	Tom Marsh
Powell and Thompson	May 27-29, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt. Starr King	Aug 5, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Koip, Piute, Volunteer and Pettit	Aug 12-18, 2000	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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The 1998-99 season was a La Niña year with early cold storms, a drought in January, and moderate snow February through March as predicted by the NOAA long-range forecasts.

Ski Leader Training	Dec 11-13, 1998	Keith Martin
Tamarack Flat/North Rim Yosemite Valley	Feb 12-15, 1999	Keith Martin	Photos
Sardine Canyon	Feb 13-14, 1999	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Skier's Alta	Feb 20-22, 1999	Steve Hessen	New Photos
Utah Interconnect	Feb 27, 1999	Don Ralphs
Bloody Couloir - Three Fingers	Mar 13-14, 1999	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mammoth Mtn - Onion Valley	Mar 27-28, 1999	Mark Goebel
Cloudripper	Apr 10-11, 1999	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
European Haute Route	Apr 24-May 9, 1999	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Blue Couloir - False White	May 15-16, 1999	Gerry Holleman
Treasure Lakes and Dade Couloir	May 22-23, 1999	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Palisade Glacier	May 29-31, 1999	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Memorial Day Tours	May 29-31, 1999	Owen Maloy
Clyde Minaret	Oct 1-3, 1999	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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The 1997-98 season was an El Niño year with frequent storms, especially in February and late spring. Total snowfall was higher than normal, but not up to record years like 1982-83, 1992-93. The backcountry snow was layered, leading to many sluffs and wet-snow avalanches.

Ski Leader Training	Dec 12-14, 1997	Keith Martin	New Photos
Never Too Much Of A Good Thing?	Jan 10, 1998	Paul Harris
Mt Pinos	Jan 17, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Snow Shelter Course	Jan 31-Feb 1, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt Waterman Tour	Feb 7, 1998	Mark Goebel
San Bernardino Ridge	Mar 13-15, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt Silliman	Mar 21-22, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Williamson-Whitney Crest Tour	May 1-7, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Onion Valley	May 9-10, 1998	Owen Maloy	Photos
Morrison Canyon and Mt Aggie	May 9-10, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Tioga Pass to Mammoth	May 11-15, 1998	Tom Marsh	New
Sawtooth Ridge Ski Camp	May 23-25, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Blue Couloir and Virginia Lakes	May 23-25, 1998	Owen Maloy	Photos
Gaylor Peak Avalanche Tour	June 13, 1998	Owen Maloy	Photos
Dana and Blue Couloirs	Jul 3-4, 1998	Randy Lamm
Mt Sill	July 11-12, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Northern Sierra Peaks	Sep 2-7, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Southern Sierra Peaks	1998-2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Eastern Sierra Peaks	1994-2002	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Central Sierra Peaks	1996-2001	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Clark, Gray and Red	Sep 17-20, 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Davis and The Thumb	October 1998	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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The 1996-97 season started very early. Even though there were heavy rains at New Year's, and there were no heavy storms after January, the coverage was well above normal at high altitude. The view from US 395 was deceptive, because the snow at low altitude was melted by the rain and warm weather.

Mt Waterman Yet Again	Jan 18, 1997	Paul Harris
Downhill Ski Clinic	Jan 25, 1997	Paul Harris
Mt Waterman	Feb 1, 1997	Mark Goebel
Pear Lake	Feb 8-9, 1997	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Teaching at June Mt	Feb - Apr, 1997	Owen Maloy	Photos
Skiing Powder in Canada	Mar 9-22, 1997	Randy Lamm	Photos
Mt Bago - Kearsage Lakes	Mar 22-24, 1997	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Avalanche Seminar	Apr 5-6, 1997	Owen Maloy
Humphreys Basin Base Camp	Apr 5-6, 1997	Tom Marsh
Wahoo Gullies	Apr 19-20, 1997	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Palisade Glacier Tour	Apr 19-20, 1997	Mark Goebel	New
Mt Whitney Traverse	Apr 30-May 3, 1997	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Horton Lakes	May 10-11, 1997	Tom Marsh	Photos
Matterhorn Peak	May 24-26, 1997	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Gaylor Lake	May 26, 1997	Owen Maloy	Photos
Temple Crag and Gayley	July 26-27, 1997	Reiner Stenzel	Photos
Peaks near Lake Tahoe	Sep 18-23, 1997	Reiner Stenzel	Photos

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The 1995-96 season started late with not much snow until Christmas, but developed into a good year with above-normal snowfall. The SMS skied San Jacinto, San Antonio, Rock Creek, Pinos, San Gorgonio, White, Sardine Canyon, Pear Lake, Thompson Ridge, the Mammoth Crest, Elderberry Canyon, Hilton Lakes, Lassen, and Shasta. A snowshelter course was conducted in the Mammoth area.

Snow Shelter Course	Feb 10-11, 1996	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Winds of Waterman	Feb 12, 1996	Don Pies
President's Day at Rock Creek	Feb 17-19, 1996	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt Pinos - Mt Abel Traverse	Mar 2, 1996	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Skiing the Dade Couloir	Mar 16-17, 1996	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Skiing Mt. Baldy	Mar 23-24, 1996	Jim DeRose
Ski Bear Mtn	Mar 30-31, 1996	Owen Maloy	Photos
Ski Mountaineer's Peak	Apr 20-21, 1996	Gerry Holleman
Elderberry Canyon and Bishop Pass	May 4-5, 1996	Ken Deemer	New Photos
Hilton Lakes Introductory Snowcamp	May 11-12, 1996	Keith Martin	Photos
Telescope Peak	May 25-27, 1996	Keith Martin
Mts. Lassen and Shasta	May 25-27, 1996	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Rock Creek Ski Camp	Jun 1-2, 1996	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Visualize World Snow	Jun 2, 1996	Owen Maloy	Photos
Hiking the John Muir Trail	Aug 26 - Sep 13, 1996	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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This was a heavy snow year, with 600 inches at Mammoth, much of it in the springtime. Spring skiing lasted well into July.

San Jacinto and Jean Pk	Jan 21, 1995	Pete Matulavich	New Photos
Snow Shelter Class 1995	Feb 10-11, 1995	Leigh Broussard	New Photo
Avalanche Seminar	Mar 25-26, 1995	Nancy Gordon	New Photo
King's Road	April 8-17, 1995	R. J. "Wise Guy" Secor	New
Mammoth Tours	Apr 22-23, 1995	Paul Harris
Spring Skiing at Baldy	May 7, 1995	Dana Pearce
Rock Creek to Mammoth	May 21-26, 1995	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Skiing Mt. Ritter	May 27-29, 1995	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Onion Valley	Jun 4, 1995	Owen Maloy	Photos
Summer Solstice Ski Spectacular	Jun-Jul, 1995	Owen Maloy	Photos
Summer Solstice: Dana Couloir	Jun 24-25, 1995	Don Pies	New Photos
Scottish Highlands	July 24-30, 1995	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Clarence King and Gardiner	Aug 17-20, 1995	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Humphreys and Emerson	Sep 8-9, 1995	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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Listed are five years worth of older trip reports which should still be of interest.

Pear Lake Hut	Feb 18-21, 1994	Reiner Stenzel	New
Kaiser Wilderness Skipack	April 2-3, 1994	Tom Marsh	New
Pear Lake Hut	Feb 13-15, 1993	Greg Jordan, Reiner Stenzel	New
Baldy	Feb 27-28, 1993	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Pinos - Abel Traverse	Mar 6, 1993	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Bodie	Mar 13-14, 1993	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
John Wedberg's Party	Mar 27, 1993	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Selkirks	April 2-11, 1993	The Selkirk Team	New Photos
Clark Range	May 2- 9, 1993	Ken Deemer	New Photos
Basin Mountain	May 15- 16, 1993	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Banner Peak	May 29-31, 1993	Reiner Stenzel	New
Dana and Gibbs	May 29-31, 1993	Pete Yamagata	New Photos
Patriarch Grove	March 14-15, 1992	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Snowshelter Course	March 28-29, 1992	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Ski Mountaineers Peak	April 11-12, 1992	Gerry Holleman	New
Skiing Mt Goddard	April 14- 18, 1992	Nancy Gordon	New Photos
Little Lakes Valley	May 9-10, 1992	Scot Jamison	New Photos
Mt Conness	May 30-31, 1992	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Hood and St Helens	Memorial Day 1992	Lisa Freundlich	New
Skiing Mt McKinley	June 1-22, 1992	Bill Lingle	New
Avalanche Course, Sherwin Bowl	Feb 8-9, 1991	Nancy Gordon	New Photo
The Classic Sierra High Route	April 27- May 4, 1991	Gordon, Stenzel, Male, Schultz	New Photos
Lamarck and Bishop	May 18-19, 1991	Gerry Holleman	New Photos
Skiing Mt Shasta	May 24-27, 1991	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Skiing Mt Rainier	May 24-28, 1991	Nancy Gordon	New
Black Kaweah et al	Aug 2-5, 1991	Bill Oliver	New Photos
Skiing the White Mountain	March 24- 26, 1990	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mammoth-June Traverse	March 31, 1990	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Virginia Peak	April 28-30, 1990	Greg Jordan	New Photos
Great Western Divide	July 28-Aug 4, 1990	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Evolution Peaks	Aug 24-Sep 2, 1990	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mammoth-Yosemite Traverse	April 16-22, 1989	Eddie Nunez	New
Brewer, North Guard and South Guard	Oct 14-16, 1988	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Traverse of the Black Divide	Aug 7 - 13, 1988	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos
Mt Lyell	Sep 17, 1988	Reiner Stenzel	New Photos

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