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Half Dome in March

PostPosted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 6:37 pm
by amyES
Hi there

My friend and I are planning on hiking Half Dome at the end of March. Was wondering if anyone had any idea about what the weather conditions may be like along the trail that time of year. I know we've been in a drought this year so I'm thinking that snow may not be that big of a factor.

Thanks!

Re: Half Dome in March

PostPosted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:04 pm
by AlmostThere
The cables won't be up and there will likely be ice if there is any precipitation - and there will be. The cables are on the same schedule each year, regardless of drought. Unless you are winter climbers, bad idea.

Re: Half Dome in March

PostPosted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:40 pm
by amyES
Sorry should have been more specific. We are just going to hike the trail part. Neither of us are climbers so we have no interest in climbing up Half Dome without the cables.

Re: Half Dome in March

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 6:36 pm
by AlmostThere
Ah, ok. Well, it's winter, so you should be prepared for winter weather - snow, rain, cold. And winter trails - ice if there is no snow, and if the storms continue to roll through every few days there very well may be both.

This week, low temps in the valley (Yosemite valley) are dipping below 20 and frequently do in winter. At higher elevations, you should go prepared for zero, or even subzero, temps. Especially if there has been weather recently, or weather is on the way.

Drought only means there is very little snow relative to the usual many feet of snow - we still need to be well prepared for the subfreezing temps, ice and long nights with no fire - they don't allow fires in winter in Yosemite.

Re: Half Dome in March

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 12:24 pm
by amyES
Awesome! Thanks for the info. That's super helpful