17 Feb 2025 - Conditions Report: Buttermilk Road & the Boulders

The store co-owners took advantage of their day off and went out to get the scoop out on the conditions out at the Buttermilks. Here is what they found:

Conditions Report:

Current As Of: 17 February 2025*

Road Conditions

The road has the potential to be passable for skilled, experienced drivers who also have 4WD or AWD. As the photo below shows, the road is a mix of slushy, soupy dirt and mud. It did not present too much of an issue for us, but the semi-frozen nature of the dirt road that helps with tire traction will only be a short-lived benefit. As the melting continues over the next week or so, the condition of the road will only get worse, slowly becoming more rutted out and muddy/slick - especially as more and more traffic goes over it. Take an abundance of caution with any decision to come out on the road as you are potentially outside your cell service (depending on your provider) and likely at least a few hours from getting help if your vehicle becomes stuck.

Local Pro Tip: If you do need vehicle recovery help away from paved roads, we recommend using Owens Valley Vehicle Recovery. Feel free to call or text the expert himself, Tim, at 805-212-9579. He goes where AAA and other roadside service do not!

The Boulders

Probably not a surprise, but there are people are out bouldering in the 'Milks. As the photos below show though, there is still about 12" of snow on the ground in many areas and there is snow on top of the boulders (see photo #2).

What does this mean?

You will be setting up your pads and gear in the snow. Most boulders will have "weeping" streams of melt water coming down them in various areas which will render certain problems undoable. You will not be able to safely top-out many problems as you will go into the snow pile on top of the boulder.

Exercise caution and be ready to dial back your plans such that they align with what is safely doable.

Climbing Area Stewardship Note: The Buttermilks see a ton of traffic from both local and visiting climbers, thus making it the focus of a lot of conservation efforts. Many of these efforts focus on the building of designated trails and areas marked by rocks so that the human impact is contained. With all the snow on the ground, it is nigh impossible to see these trails or designated areas and the moisture on the ground only multiplies the effect of normal human impact. Tread with careful intention and conservation in mind so that these areas remain as pristine as possible and available for climbers for generations to come.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo #1: View of conditions on Buttermilk Road - passable if you have the right vehicle and proper recovery equipment just in case.

Photo #2: View of the Buttermilks Main Area from the first parking area. 

Photo #3: Sideview of cars in the parking area showing the depth of the snow and road conditions.