Agnew Pass
Peak · 9,904 ft · Yosemite corridor
Agnew Pass is a 9904-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A high alpine crossing with avalanche terrain, it sits exposed to afternoon wind and sees minimal crowds.
Morning conditions favor calm air and stable snowpack inspection. Wind accelerates through the pass by mid-afternoon, often exceeding 10 mph. Temperature hovers near 29°F on average. Snowpack and visibility control viability far more than season alone.
Over the past 30 days, Agnew Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 33, with winds running 10 mph and temperatures near 29°F. The week ahead will show if high-elevation stability and crowd pressure match the longer pattern. Use the chart below to spot windows when wind and temperature align with your plan.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Agnew Pass
Agnew Pass is a high Sierra pass at 9904 feet in the Yosemite corridor, situated between major drainage systems that funnel wind and snow. Access from the west runs via Highway 120 through Tuolumne Meadows; from the east, approach via Highway 395 and the Mono Basin. The pass marks a transition zone between wet-slab terrain on the Yosemite slope and wind-loaded faces to the east. Low base popularity reflects its exposure and avalanche hazard; most visitors are experienced peak-baggers or skiers assessing snowpack stability rather than casual hikers.
Agnew Pass experiences a 30-day rolling average wind of 10 mph with peaks to 26 mph, typical of high pass terrain in spring. Morning conditions run calmer and colder (average 29°F); afternoon wind and sun accelerate melt and visibility loss. Crowding averages 3 out of 10, consistent across seasons due to the technical approach and avalanche terrain requirement. Early morning departure before 8:00 AM captures the stability window. Late season (September through October) offers better snowpack consolidation and lower avalanche risk; winter and early spring require careful snowpack reading and SAC Avalanche Center bulletin review.
Agnew Pass suits climbers, ski tourers, and winter mountaineers with avalanche rescue training and stability assessment skills. Casual walkers and unroped parties face serious consequences; the pass regularly sees wet-slab activity and corniced ridges. Plan for white-out conditions in spring afternoon storms. Parking at trailheads fills quickly only on the first open weekends after Highway 120 closure lifts; most days offer space. Wind gusts above 15 mph degrade confidence on the exposed ridge and make descent technical. Bring a shovel, probe, and beacon; know your own terrain assessment limits.
Nearby Tioga Pass and Mono Pass offer similar high-Sierra character at slightly lower elevation and less avalanche commitment. Cathedral Range peaks to the west carry less wind exposure but require longer approach from Tuolumne Meadows. Agnew Pass rewards early starts and conservative snowpack reading; afternoon descent into wind and sun-warmed slopes demands respect for the terrain's severity and quick decision-making.