Turn Table
Peak · 4,895 ft · North Sierra corridor
Turn Table is a 4,895-foot peak in the North Sierra corridor near Highway 89, offering exposed ridgeline conditions and panoramic views of the high country. Wind and temperature swings demand careful timing.
Turn Table sits on open ridge terrain where wind funnels predictably. Mornings are calmer; afternoon gusts arrive by mid-day. Exposure runs high; snow and ice linger into spring. The 30-day average wind of 8 mph masks stronger afternoon flows and occasional blasts to 19 mph.
Over the last 30 days, Turn Table averaged a NoGo Score of 35 with temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit and typical wind near 8 mph, though peaks topped 19 mph. The week ahead will likely follow seasonal spring patterns: stable mornings, increasing wind and crowding as the weekend approaches, with snowpack persistence above 4,800 feet through mid-May.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Turn Table
Turn Table sits in the North Sierra corridor east of Highway 89, roughly between Truckee and the Tahoe National Forest boundary. The peak is accessed via saddle traverses from the highway corridor or from forest service roads on the western slope. Elevation of 4,895 feet places it above most highway passes but below the highest Sierra ridges. The nearest significant town is Truckee, 20 to 30 minutes west via Highway 89. The location offers alpine meadow and rocky terrain exposure typical of the high-Sierra corridor.
Conditions at Turn Table are driven by spring snowmelt, afternoon thermal wind, and exposure to westerly flow off the Sierra crest. The 30-day average temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late-spring conditions; year-round extremes range from 27 to 56 degrees, with snow likely above 4,800 feet through May. Wind averages 8 mph over rolling windows but regularly exceeds 15 mph in afternoon hours. Crowding averages 5 out of 10; this increases sharply on weekends after Highway 89 clears. Early spring sees fewer visitors but more unstable snowpack; late May and June bring warmer, firmer conditions and heavier foot traffic.
Turn Table suits alpine hikers and scramblers comfortable with exposure and spring snow. Winter and early-spring approach requires avalanche awareness; the peak sits in avalanche terrain per the Sacramento Avalanche Center. Experienced parties plan for firm morning snow and softening conditions by noon. Afternoon wind regularly gusts; skip the peak if winds are forecast above 20 mph. Parking at trailheads fills quickly on weekend mornings. Snow depth and stability govern safe travel above 4,500 feet through May; check SAC forecasts before heading up.
Turn Table pairs with other North Sierra ridgeline peaks like Castle Peak and Basin Peak for extended alpine traverses. For lower-elevation hiking and more stable spring conditions, the western slope meadows and forest service roads near Highway 49 offer shelter from afternoon wind. Visitors seeking higher exposure and longer views should combine Turn Table with a full Sierra crest ridge day; those wanting easier access should consider the foothills east of Nevada City on Highway 49, where snow clears two to four weeks earlier.