"Death Valley Chiller" Jan 12th-15th!

[Pskhaat]

Like if we get a ton of snow one night.. won't the tents want to collapse?

I'm a CO/WY/UT snow kind of guy, so I have no idea what the water content is in CA, but you'd have to get quite a dumping I think for the tent to really collapse, which is unlikely? (Asking, I really don't know the area at all.)

I used to camp a lot in Boy Scouts in the snow in CO, though I did have a canvas tent...

 

[Pskhaat]

I just checked for time off and I need to be in Las Vegas that weekend and the early part of that following week. Sorry! I would have really like to see Death Valley!

 

[Robthebrit]

I would much rather be uncomfortable in the cold season of death valley than the hot, keeping warm is much easier than keeping cool. Its not really a life or death situation just because you don't have a zero degree bag and its cold out, use two bags, use a liner, cover up with a duvet or blanket. Any bag will keep you significantly warmer than the outside air so you are not going to freeze to death but given you might not be comfortable.

If people are really worried about the cold then remember its almost impossible to freeze to death while sleeping, the cold will wake you before it kills you. At the worst case sleep in the truck, if its still too cold start it for a while and put the blower on.

Rob

 

[adventureduo]

I don't think it will hit zero?? Does anyone know if it does? or get's colder than 0 degrees in DV? Here's the records.. maybe these are down on the valley floor?

Jan
Average daily high temp. 65F
Average daily low temp. 39F
Record high temperature. 87F
Record low temperature. 15F
Overall average temp. 52F
Feb
Average daily high temp. 72F
Average daily low temp. 46F
Record high temperature. 97F
Record low temperature. 27F
Overall average temp. 59F
Mar
Average daily high temp. 80F
Average daily low temp. 53F
Record high temperature. 102F
Record low temperature. 30F
Overall average temp. 67F
Apr
Average daily high temp. 90F
Average daily low temp. 62F
Record high temperature. 111F
Record low temperature. 35F
Overall average temp. 76F
May
Average daily high temp. 99F
Average daily low temp. 71F
Record high temperature. 120F
Record low temperature. 42F
Overall average temp. 85F
June
Average daily high temp. 109F
Average daily low temp. 80F
Record high temperature. 128F
Record low temperature. 49F
Overall average temp. 95F
July
Average daily high temp. 115F
Average daily low temp. 88F
Record high temperature. 134F
Record low temperature. 52F
Overall average temp. 102F
Aug
Average daily high temp. 113F
Average daily low temp. 85F
Record high temperature. 127F
Record low temperature. 65F
Overall average temp. 99F
Sep
Average daily high temp. 106F
Average daily low temp. 75F
Record high temperature. 120F
Record low temperature. 41F
Overall average temp. 90F
Oct
Average daily high temp. 92F
Average daily low temp. 62F
Record high temperature. 113F
Record low temperature. 32F
Overall average temp. 77F
Nov
Average daily high temp. 76F
Average daily low temp. 48F
Record high temperature. 97F
Record low temperature. 24F
Overall average temp. 62F
Dec
Average daily high temp. 65F
Average daily low temp. 39F
Record high temperature. 88F
Record low temperature. 19F
Overall average temp. 52F

 

[Robthebrit]

I looked at those numbers too and I don't think it will get to zero. However, those temperatures are taken at furnace creek and don't forget 3.7 degree temperature drop for every 1000 feet of elevation.

I am not sure how high you high you can drive up telescope peak but certainly cannot get to the top. I think the drivable trail ends at about 8000 feet at Mahogany Flat's, even at this altitude you are around 30 degrees cooler than the valley so yeah you could get to zero.

For those interested, getting to the top of telescope peak involves a 6 or 7 hour strenuous hike and if its snow capped you will need crampons and mountain equipment.

 

[adventureduo]

Yeah i read that part too "Mahogany Flat's"... i'd be up for just camping there as to be a sort of base camp as the rest of the more experienced people went on to the top. Mahogany flats, is at 8133ft

What's your plan Boston?... are the rest of your destinations driveable or hiking trails?

I know Badwater and Dante's View are accessible to vehicles.

Sounds like a 1/2 hike and 1/2 drive trip.

 

[adventureduo]

For those interested, getting to the top of telescope peak involves a 6 or 7 hour strenuous hike and if its snow capped you will need crampons and mountain equipment.

Sounds like im out - if we are heading up that portion

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

That was my thinking. The person can be inexperienced, just as long as the have the required equipment. Just a thought.

Well Said!

Just a thought - You might create an equipment requirement set forth - due to the extreme nature of the trip? Something that would have to be checked at trailhead before departing by the group leader? This would be a good saftey net for everyone

EXCELLENT IDEA PASQUALE! I will whip that up in the next day or so!

I already know my bag isn't rated for zero degree weather.. but i could pick one up.. possibly..

REI rents high end down bags for cheap $, might wanna see what the coldest they have is. Probably rent one for the weekend for less then $20 and save valueable space and not have to bring a ton of extra stuff

I've never camped out in snow before..

Its fun!

I would have to jet early.. cause im pretty dang sure we wont have that holiday off from work.

No sweat, schedule is all tentative!

Yeah i read that part too "Mahogany Flat's"... i'd be up for just camping there as to be a sort of base camp as the rest of the more experienced people went on to the top. Mahogany flats, is at 8133ft

Sounds like a plan! That way, we can legally have a fire at night!

:1888fbbd: :campfire: :camping:

What's your plan Boston?...

Go to DV with some friends and have fun camping and exploring!

are the rest of your destinations driveable or hiking trails?

All desitinations will be DRIVEABLE! I am not a huge fan of leaving a fully loaded rig unattended ANYWHERE!

I know Badwater and Dante's View are accessible to vehicles.

Cool, we can hit those for sure then!

Sounds like a 1/2 hike and 1/2 drive trip.

Nope, all driving! I am setup for winter camping, but i dont have the proper gear for winter hiking and most folks dont. Also, i dont want to leave ANY rig unattended!

What about protecting the tents/roof top tents from snow? Like if we get a ton of snow one night.. won't the tents want to collapse?

Only one way to find out! We will keep a close eye on the forecast as well

Another dumb question.. i googled Telescope Peak and it looks like you hike there?? Is this a hiking trip? Wheelin to the campsite trip? Just askin'.. cause im out of shape right now and i don't want to hold anyone up.

Excellent question and your 100% correct! I didnt notice that on my map, scratch the whole Telescope Peak idea! Mahoganey Flats sounds great!

I would much rather be uncomfortable in the cold season of death valley than the hot, keeping warm is much easier than keeping cool.

100% true!

If people are really worried about the cold then remember its almost impossible to freeze to death while sleeping, the cold will wake you before it kills you. At the worst case sleep in the truck, if its still too cold start it for a while and put the blower on.

Yup!

 

[bigreen505]

You can rent any camping equipment you need. REI, and presumably your favorite local establishment, will happily rent you a -25 degree bag, 4 season tent, liquid gas stove (I personally don't like canister stoves below freezing) and whatever else you need.

For gloves, consider you local Costco or hardware store and buy insulated work gloves -- approved by ski coaches worldwide. You can often find a pack of two for less than $20 so you always have a dry pair. Smartwool glove liners or LowePro photographers gloves (which I strongly recommend against if you are shooting film) are excellent and allow a surprising combination of warmth and dexterity.

Also keep at least one water bottle in your sleeping bag at night so you have water to cook with or dring in the morning.

While I see your reasoning for previous extreme cold camping experience, I would consider a set of tires with more than 60% tread remaining and extra fuel far more important than a zero degree bag or mountaineering tent.

 

[BKCowGod]

this is incredibly tempting.

if only I had the ability, equipment, and time.

 

[kcowyo]

If people are really worried about the cold then remember its almost impossible to freeze to death while sleeping, the cold will wake you before it kills you.

Maybe, but probably not....

Cold may not kill you per se, but hypothermia will. Drowsiness and/or sleepiness are part of the second stage of hypothermia, so I think it would be safer to say, left untreated, it is very possible to "freeze to death" while sleeping. It happens to hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts every year and who knows how many homeless.

Looks like a great trip BM - hope you have a blast, stay warm!

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

NOTE: The destination and/or trip maybe cancelled due to road closures!

Big kudos to SOCAJFJ (which should be SOCALFZJ, HA) for doing some research and finding out that a good portion of the roads in DV are usually CLOSED and unpassable during the middle of the winter!

I will call the rangers sometime this week and report back my findings!

Thanks

 

[adventureduo]

Hey pipe down over there! Get it right!:exclaim:

it's socalxj, socal715, socalf150, socalfj, socalfzj!!! lol *depending what vehicle i own at the time

Anyhoo.. ill research some more.. but looks like a ton of high elevation stuff will be shut down and only be open to hikers with proper equipment to get in and out.