Mount McAdie
Peak · 13,798 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Mount McAdie is a 13,798-foot peak in California's Eastern Sierra, sitting above the Inyo National Forest backcountry. A high-altitude objective with significant avalanche terrain and exposed ridges.
Wind dominates the summit zone; the 30-day average is 12 mph with gusts to 43 mph. Early mornings are calmer. Afternoon thermals drive upslope flow and afternoon wind spikes are routine. Temperatures average 16 degrees Fahrenheit across the rolling month.
The last 30 days show an average NoGo Score of 36, with the coldest stretch reaching 4 and the calmest windows delivering scores in the teens. Expect near-freezing conditions and consistent 12 mph baseline wind; plan ascents for pre-dawn starts to avoid afternoon loading. Avalanche terrain requires active snowpack assessment through the ESAC advisory.
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About Mount McAdie
Mount McAdie lies at 13,798 feet in the Eastern Sierra, part of the high-elevation massif west of Big Pine and Independence, California. The peak sits in the Inyo National Forest and is accessed via the Palisade Basin approach from the Bishop/Big Pine area. Highway 395 is the main corridor; most parties approach from Highway 168 east of Big Pine or via backcountry routes from the Palisade Lakes trailhead. The climb involves substantial elevation gain on mixed rock and snow, with the summit sitting above 13,500 feet and exposed to sustained Sierra ridgeline wind.
Conditions on Mount McAdie are driven by high-altitude exposure and proximity to the Sierra crest. The rolling 30-day average wind is 12 mph, but afternoon thermals and pressure gradients routinely push gusts to 43 mph by mid-afternoon. Temperature averages 16 degrees Fahrenheit; the 365-day range spans from negative 2 to 36 degrees, indicating winter base temps near zero and brief summer windows above freezing. Crowding is minimal, averaging 2 on the NoGo scale, because the peak requires off-trail mountaineering and significant snowpack experience. Avalanche terrain is extensive; the ESAC advisory is mandatory review before any approach, especially on aspects holding deep snow.
Mount McAdie is best suited to experienced alpinists and winter mountaineers comfortable with self-rescue, routefinding in whiteout, and rapid descent under deteriorating conditions. The peak is a winter and early-spring objective for parties seeking high-altitude technical training and aesthetic alpine climbing. Expect significant snowpack through spring; microspikes or crampons are standard. Afternoon wind is relentless; summit parties routinely experience white-out conditions and wind chill that drop perceived temperature well below the thermometer. Parking at trailheads fills quickly on weekends; arrive before dawn. The nearest bailout shelter is hours downhill; weather deterioration demands immediate descent.
Nearby Mount Tom (13,652 feet) and the Palisade Lakes basin offer lower-altitude alternatives with similar Eastern Sierra character but better bailout options. Mount Humphreys and the Inyo National Forest high country provide comparable objectives. The Eastern Sierra corridor as a whole sees peak season pressure in July through August and again in September; winter and spring present technical challenge, minimal crowds, and avalanche hazard that requires real training.