Stone
Peak · North Sierra corridor
Stone is a 6,470-foot peak in the North Sierra corridor above the Tahoe National Forest. Wind-exposed and accessed via Highway 89, it offers alpine views but demands weather awareness year-round.
Stone sits in funneled wind corridors common to exposed Sierra peaks above 6,400 feet. Afternoon wind is the norm; mornings are calmer. Snow and avalanche terrain dominate winter and spring. Temperature swings from freezing to mild within a day.
The 30-day average wind sits at 12 mph, with peaks to 30 mph; typical for this elevation and exposure. The last month averaged 42 degrees and a NoGo score of 35, meaning conditions run marginal-to-poor more often than not. Crowding averages low at 5. Watch the week ahead for wind spikes and temperature trends; spring snowpack instability is the key spring consideration.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Stone
Stone sits at 6,470 feet in the North Sierra corridor, roughly 45 minutes northeast of Truckee via Highway 89. The peak is accessed from the Tahoe National Forest road network; approach routes cross avalanche terrain in winter and spring. This is not a casual summit; the peak's exposure and wind character demand route selection and weather discipline. The location is best understood as part of the high-elevation Sierra passes corridor, where weather changes fast and afternoon wind is the default.
Stone's 30-day average temperature is 42 degrees with wind averaging 12 mph and peaking at 30 mph. Conditions run marginal (NoGo score 35 on average) most of the time. Winter brings heavy snow and avalanche risk; spring is transition chaos with unstable snowpack; summer offers the best weather stability but afternoon wind increases; fall is unpredictable as cold fronts arrive. Crowding averages low at 5, so solitude is the norm. The peak sits on a drainage that funnels wind off adjacent lake basins; expect calmer conditions in early morning and on days when high pressure dominates.
Stone suits experienced alpinists and backcountry skiers familiar with avalanche terrain and self-rescue. Winter and spring visitors must assess snowpack stability daily through the SAC avalanche center advisories. Summer visitors tolerate afternoon wind and exposure. Parking is limited; arrive before dawn on weekends. The approach crosses variable terrain; a headlamp and map are non-negotiable. Conditions can degrade in 30 minutes; retreat decisions must be made early.
Stone's closest neighbours are the other peaks in the North Sierra corridor; Highway 89 provides access to both sides of the range. The summit and approach offer alpine exposure comparable to higher Cascade peaks but at lower elevation, meaning snow and wind are less predictable. Visitors planning a North Sierra corridor trip should sequence Stone based on the 7-day wind and avalanche forecast, not on day of week alone. The peak works best as a secondary objective when conditions rule out higher-elevation or more-exposed alternatives.