15 Feb 2025 - Conditions Report: Happy Boulders & the Volcanic Tablelands

Traveling to the Eastern Sierra or Bishop this weekend for non-snow/climbing activities and wondering if you need to cancel your plans due to the recent snowfall? Fear not. We got the latest conditions info for you.

Our staff member, Colin, (also an AMGA-trained guide and certified instructor for Sierra Mountain Center) went out this morning to check out the Volcanic Tablelands after the recent snowfall on Thursday and to get a circuit in this morning at the Happy Boulders before coming to work an hour ago. Here is what he found:

Conditions Report:

Current As Of: 15 February 2025*

Road Conditions

Driving out on Chalk Bluff Rd this morning at 0700, it was 90% dry with 3-4  sections of water ranging about 30-40 feet in length and about 6-12" deep. My Jeep Patriot easily made it through them without issue and, when I left the boulders at 0845, there were 5-6 other cars (SUVs, Suburu outbacks, trucks, etc.) in the parking lot, thus implying they had no issue either. On my way out, there was a sedan stopped at one of the water sections with its occupants out assessing whether or not they could make it. Did they make it across? I don't know so try it at your own risk (like most outdoor things with sedan). The road should dry out even more throughout today and tomorrow and we would not be surprised if it is nearly completely dry by Monday/Tuesday.

The Boulders

Ready to be climbed. The rock is dry. The ground is dry (save for one 2" x 2" snow spot I found under a boulder while purposely looking). Pics below to prove it. I got four laps in on the Totty Boulder this morning. While it was chilly at first in the shade (since overnight temps were around 30F), once the sun starting hitting the canyon, it was a very send-y temperature.

While I did not go to the Sads, it is safe to assume that the conditions are the same with perhaps a smidge more snow/ice hiding in spots.

Stewardship Note: Since the Buttermilks and other climbing areas are under snow right now, the Happies and Sads (a.k.a. the Volcanic Tablelands) will get almost all of the traffic this weekend. Stay on the trails. Protect the plantlife and environment. Practice good group ethics and share the boulders.

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View from the top of Totty Boulder looking up canyon. Note the stoked dudes already setting up pads at the base of Atari at 0745!

View down canyon towards the Owens Valley.

View down the approach trail just past Jesus Chrysler boulder

View at the start of the approach trail just leaving the parking

 

The gorgeous morning Sierra skyline from US Route 6

 

*All conditions reports are subject to change, increasingly so with each passing day since the observation(s) were made. They are provided as a tool to assist your adventuring, not to replace your own risk management and decision-making. No information in any trip or conditions report published by Eastside Sports should be considered definitive in its information or directive in its recommendation.