Bloody-Laurel Col
Peak · 10,778 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Bloody-Laurel Col is a 10,778-foot alpine pass in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of the Sierra Nevada, known for its exposure to afternoon wind and avalanche terrain that demands caution through spring.
Wind accelerates through the col as afternoon thermals rise off nearby lakes and drainages. Morning hours sit calmer; expect 13 mph average winds building to 41 mph gusts by mid-afternoon. Exposure is direct and unshielded. Temperature averages 25°F across the rolling month, with snow pack and wind load the dominant hazards.
The 30-day average wind of 13 mph masks afternoon surges; the month's peak gust reached 41 mph, well above the rolling 90-day norm. Temperatures have held near 25°F, keeping snowpack intact but volatile. The week ahead will show whether high-altitude air masses push through the corridor or stall over the range.
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About Bloody-Laurel Col
Bloody-Laurel Col sits at the crest of a prominent saddle connecting the drainages east of Mammoth Mountain to the high basins west of Lake Crowley. Access is via Highway 395 south from Mammoth Lakes, then trailhead approach from the Lake Crowley side or via the Mammoth Crest routes. The col itself is not a casual walk-up; route-finding demands map work and avalanche awareness, especially in winter and spring when wind-loaded aspects face exposure to skier and climber descent lines. The surrounding peaks include San Joaquin Mountain to the south and unnamed summits along the crest. Elevation, isolation, and aspect make this a destination for experienced high-Sierra travelers, not casual visitors.
Spring and early summer bring the harshest conditions. The 30-day rolling average temperature of 25°F reflects lingering alpine cold, and wind gusts of 41 mph are common when pressure systems move through. Late September and early October offer warmer air (still well below freezing at night), lower wind averages, and stable snowpack; base popularity of 0.2 suggests very few make the effort. Winter access demands avalanche training and beacon competency. The rolling 30-day average wind of 13 mph understates the afternoon spike; mornings are often calm, but post-noon wind is reliable and strong. Crowding averages 2.0 across the month, reflecting the technical nature of the approach and high barrier to entry.
This col is best suited to mountaineers, ski mountaineers, and scrambling parties with avalanche awareness and high-altitude fitness. The ESAC avalanche center covers this terrain; check current conditions before any approach. Wind in the afternoon funnels along the crest, making a morning push critical for anyone planning to spend time on the summit or traverse the col. Parking at trailheads is minimal and unpaved. Parties should carry water and fuel; water sources above 10,000 feet are unreliable outside snowmelt. Visibility can drop rapidly when storms move in from the west, and the col offers no shelter.
Nearby alternatives include the Mammoth Crest routes to the north, which see slightly higher traffic but offer similar alpine exposure. San Joaquin Mountain, southwest of the col, is more frequently summited and has a more established approach. The Lake Crowley basin to the east provides lower-elevation camping and water access, making it a logical staging area for a multi-day push to the col. Parties new to the Mammoth corridor should acclimatize in the lower basins before attempting the col.