Blue Ridge Benchmark

Yes that is indeed Mount Baldy's north face (aka Mt. San Antonio), as seen today from the Blue Ridge Road viewpoint on Highway 2, and yikes! there sure isn't much snow up there. This view is absolutely one of my favorite benchmarks for Southern California conditions, and there's just no escaping it—things are pretty grim this year.

I took a look at nearby Baden-Powell, which is doable from Vincent Gap if you bring rock skis and low expectations. What does Baldy's north face look like in a good year? Try this shot, taken in 2006. You can hardly see a difference, right? Barring a March miracle, I guess it's time to start hitting the 395. Though I should mention, oddly enough, Snow Valley continues to have an outstanding season...

— February 25, 2013

Andy Lewicky is the author and creator of SierraDescents

Dan Conger February 25, 2013 at 2:50 am

The season started out so strong, then nothing.

brad brown February 26, 2013 at 4:22 pm

Snow pack, go figure. Better snow locally from the last 2 storms than at Kirkwood or Mammoth, hit 'em both. Anyone remember the Miracle March of 93?

tkane February 26, 2013 at 5:54 pm

I just want a couple days on Baden-Powell and nearby Throop Peak, two of my favorites due to easy access. waiting for march miracle.

Scott February 28, 2013 at 6:15 am

Didn't make it out in the local BC a single day last year and probably won't this year. Still got some fond memories from two seasons ago haunting my dreams...but it's SoCal, we knew what we were signing up for. C'est la vie.