A number of years ago, Brian Norris and I attempted the NE ridge (the ridge to the East of Elderberry Canyon) of Mt. Tom, in February, but bailed out at about the 11,544 elevation, due to extreme avalanche conditions. In our wishful ignorance, we thought we could do it with just ice axes, but no rope, crampons or rock/ice gear...go fast...ha ha...the joke was on us. The route was completed in April of that year by Brian Norris and Rick Ackerman in much friendlier conditions.
We classified the ridge as Class 2 snow-shoeing until about the 10,500 elevation (where we bivvied the first night), and then mixed class 5 rock and snowed-over ice traverses. I don't know if there has ever been a successful full-up winter ascent of that ridge. Brian said it reminded him of Denali.
Now there's a challenge for yah! But don't solo it... There are still a few challenges left in the Eastern Sierra, if you look for them.
Last edited by Bob West; 05/12/12 04:26 PM.
