Silver Fox Pass
Peak · 10,702 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Silver Fox Pass is a 10,702-foot alpine crossing in California's Mammoth Lakes corridor, sitting on the eastern Sierra crest. High exposure to afternoon wind and variable snowpack define the crossing.
Wind accelerates off the crest as afternoon develops; morning calm gives way to 12+ mph gusts by early afternoon. Terrain above treeline offers no shelter. Snow lingers into early summer, and snowpack stability varies sharply week to week. Check ESAC forecasts before planning approach routes.
Over the last 30 days, Silver Fox Pass averaged 25 degrees Fahrenheit with 12 mph wind and a NoGo Score of 36.0. The week ahead will test whether afternoon wind intensity climbs back above the 30-day norm. Plan early starts; afternoon crossings invite gusts and exposure hazard.
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About Silver Fox Pass
Silver Fox Pass sits on the high Sierra crest northeast of Mammoth Lakes, accessible via the Mammoth Lakes corridor. The pass sits at 10,702 feet and borders avalanche terrain; winter and early-season approaches require competent snow assessment. Highway 395 runs north-south through Mammoth Lakes, 35 miles south of Lee Vining. Most approaches climb from the east or west via high alpine trails and require high-country fitness and navigation skill. Cell service is unreliable at elevation; pre-load maps and communicate your itinerary.
Silver Fox Pass experiences sustained high wind and cold typical of exposed crest positions. The 30-day average wind of 12 mph climbs sharply in afternoon hours; gusts peak mid-afternoon and ease after sunset. Temperature averages 25 degrees Fahrenheit over the rolling month, with recorded lows near 12 degrees and highs reaching 41 degrees. Crowding remains minimal (2.0 average on the rolling 30-day index), reflecting the pass's remoteness and technical access. Late spring snow often blocks approach routes into late May or early June; late summer and early fall offer the most reliable passage, though wind and afternoon storms remain routine hazards.
Silver Fox Pass is best suited to experienced alpine travellers familiar with exposed terrain, snowpack assessment, and rapid weather shifts. Parties should plan for morning departure windows, lighter winds, and stable light before 2 pm. Avalanche terrain flanks the pass; the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) provides seasonal snowpack and instability forecasts. Carry layers for rapid temperature swings, water for high-altitude effort, and navigation aids that work without cell signal. Afternoon wind can drive wind chill below recorded temperature; pace yourself and be prepared to descend or bivouac if conditions deteriorate.
The Mammoth Lakes corridor offers varied access to the high Sierra. Nearby Bald Mountain and Deer Mountain provide lower-elevation alternatives on high-wind days. The pass itself bridges two drainage systems and is often paired with multi-day high-country traverses. Winter approach to Silver Fox Pass requires avalanche awareness and stable snowpack; consult ESAC before committing. Spring and early summer crossings demand route-finding skill and willingness to turn back if snowpack or weather prove unstable.