Laurel Mountain NE Gully, SNOW 1-4, ROCK 2, MTN 1

SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified via email.

DETAILS:

• What's happening: Camping at Convict Lake and climbing Laurel Mountain 11,724' via the NE Gully route, 5.2, Grade II. Although this a technically easy route it is a 3,200' ascent and will probably be a 12-hour day. We'll be relying on excellent snow climbing technique and careful rock climbing skills, backed up by various pickets and rock protection. If that route is not a good choice we can climb up the north ridge or take an unnamed couloir behind the Sevehah Cliffs which ends at the South Ridge. No matter how we ascend, we'll be walking off down the north ridge / buttress.
• Necessary Skills / Experience: This is a combo training and climb. Those with the right skills and experience for a safe ascent will possess the ability to climb steep snow and/or snow covered rock with two tools, self-arrest, climb confidently in a rope team of three, place snow and rock protection, belay a leader and a second, build multi-piece anchors and route find through a complicated mountain face.
• Where to meet: Convict Lake, north trailhead parking, in the afternoon of Friday, April 23rd. To get there, drive 395 to a point south of the Mammoth Lakes Exit and turn west toward Convict Lake / Resort. Just before reaching the resort, turn right and park at this trailhead. Look for my orange Subaru.
• Volunteer Event Leader: Darren Shutt (916) 872-3399, darren@mountainascent.org
• Minimum / Maximum: 2/6
• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration

ITINERARY

Day 1, Friday April 23rd: Meet at the Convict Lake north trailhead at 1:00 pm. Inspect and discuss route options. Hike only about 1 mile to the west shore of Convict Lake and set up camp. Dinner, set out gear and make decisions for the climb.

Day 2, Saturday April 24th: With a pre-dawn start, ascend the NE Gully or alternate route. We'll aim to summit at or before noon. Descend the north ridge back to camp, probably arriving around 4 pm. Take down camp and hoof it back to the cars, possible dinner in town? Then heading home.

REQUIRED CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT AND GEAR

• Wicking, breathable base layer, top and bottom
• Insulating, weather-resistant mid layer, top and bottom
• Wind and waterproof shell layer top
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Warm hat and/or balaclava
• Sun hat or covering
• Climbing backpack (no larger than 45L)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Stove, fuel, pot/cup, spoon
• High energy food, snacks and drinks
• Water bottles or container system
• Strong headlamp with fresh batteries
• Map and compass
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Small personal first aid kit
• Optional items for consideration: altimeter, trekking poles, camera, small knife or multi-tool, bandana
• Mountaineering boots
• Crampons
• Mountain axe and ice tool
• Lightweight harness*
• Climbing helmet*
• 3 locking and 2 non-locking carabiners*
• Two tied or sewn runners, 24" to 48"*
• Belay device*
• Ropes, protection, slings* (may be group gear)

*If you are without some of this important safety gear, it may be available for loan upon prior request, first-come, first serve.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

• This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

• MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

• MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

• Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

• Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

• As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

• All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.

For more information or questions about this climbing event, please contact the listed event leaders, or connect@mountainascent.org, or (916) 692-0005.