Eddy Mountains snow condition and access update

With assistance from a helicopter, forecasters conducted their annual March snow survey for the State of California. Forecasters surveyed four sites in the Eddy Mountains while gathering snowpack observations along the way.

In general, the Eddy Mountains lack significant snow coverage. Only two of the four snow survey sites—Deadfall Lakes and Gray Rocks—had measurable snow. On average, 14 inches of snow was observed in the Middle Deadfall Lake Basin at 7,000 feet, while nearly 20 inches was recorded at the Gray Rocks site at 6,200 feet.

The other two sites, North Fork (7,000 feet) and Mumbo Basin (5,800 feet), had no snow at the survey locations. However, on north and east aspects near the North Fork site, a snowpack does exist and was estimated at one to two feet in depth (see photos). No observable snow was found outside the site location at Mumbo Basin.

In short, most south and west aspects, except for small isolated patches, are completely devoid of snow at all elevations. Only on high north and east aspects—primarily above 6,000 feet—retain a shallow but somewhat consistent snowpack. Snow surfaces were generally supportable for travel early in the morning, becoming softer and damper by the afternoon. No signs of avalanches or other concerning conditions were observed.

Access notes: One can drive to within 2.66 miles of the Parks Creek summit via NF-17 Road. Many snow patches still block the road in shaded areas.  

The South Fork NF-26 Road is passable to Gumboot Lake. Beyond that, many snow patches still exist over the road, and trying to drive past or over them is not recommended.

 

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