Frog Lake Notch
Peak · Lake Tahoe corridor
Frog Lake Notch is an 8,064-foot peak in the Lake Tahoe Sierra corridor, sitting at the notch between high-elevation ridges. Wind-exposed and avalanche terrain, it demands attention to timing and snowpack.
Wind funnels consistently through the notch, averaging 11 mph and gusting to 26 mph. Morning hours are calmer; afternoon brings acceleration off the lake. Elevation keeps temperatures low year-round, and snowpack stability is critical in winter and spring.
Over the past 30 days, Frog Lake Notch averaged a NoGo Score of 43, with wind averaging 11 mph and temperatures holding at 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The score ranged from 5 to 65, indicating highly variable conditions day to day. The week ahead will track those swings; plan around the morning window and watch snowpack bulletins from the Sierras Avalanche Center before any winter approach.
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About Frog Lake Notch
Frog Lake Notch sits on the divide between Frog Lake basin and the open Sierra high country, roughly 30 miles southwest of the main Lake Tahoe basin. Access is typically from Highway 50 or Highway 89 corridors; the peak sits at the eastern edge of the Desolation Wilderness complex. The notch itself is a low point on a high ridge, exposed to wind from multiple directions. Winter approach requires solid snow skills and awareness of the terrain's avalanche exposure; summer access is easier but the site draws light foot traffic year-round because of its isolation and elevation. Parking and trailhead access depend on which entry point you choose; verify road conditions on the California highway system before driving.
Winter and early spring dominate Frog Lake Notch conditions. The 30-day average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the zone's persistence of snow and cold. Wind averaging 11 mph is brisk at this elevation and funnels through the notch predictably, with gusts to 26 mph common in afternoon hours. Summer temperatures climb above freezing but rarely exceed 44 degrees even at peak; fall transitions are short and snow can return in late September. Crowding remains minimal year-round, averaging 2 on the NoGo scale, because the approach is long and the site offers no shelter or facilities. Spring brings the most volatile conditions; avalanche hazard spikes as snowpack consolidates, and wind variability increases with larger day-to-night temperature swings.
Frog Lake Notch suits climbers, peak-baggers, and ridge-walkers comfortable with exposure and wind. Winter ascents demand avalanche training and a clear view of SAC Sierras Avalanche Center forecasts before you commit. Spring is treacherous; approach only if you've checked the current avalanche problem and understand slab propagation on the terrain above and around the notch. Summer is the safest window for non-technical hikers, though afternoon wind will be a factor. Bring a wind-resistant layer even in mild months. The notch's low popularity means you will not find a marked trail; navigate by map and terrain awareness. Cell service is spotty at best; assume no connectivity.
Nearby alternatives in the Tahoe corridor include higher peaks in the Desolation Wilderness to the west, which sit above treeline and offer similar exposure but more traffic and easier access from Highway 50. Echo Lakes, 10 to 15 miles south, offers lower-elevation access and calmer summer conditions. Pyramid Peak and surrounding ridges share the same wind exposure and avalanche terrain; the notch is less visited but not materially different in character. If you're targeting a winter ridge crossing, scout the SAC advisory carefully; Frog Lake Notch is not a confidence builder if crowded slopes elsewhere are your baseline.