Cleaver Notch
Peak · 10,929 ft · Yosemite corridor
Cleaver Notch is a 10,929-foot alpine peak in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. Exposed ridgeline and high elevation make it a winter and spring objective for experienced mountaineers.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average of 16 mph climbs to 42 mph in gusts, and afternoon acceleration is relentless on clear days. Expect single-digit temperatures and hard-packed snow or bare rock depending on season. Morning calm windows are short and narrow; plan accordingly.
Over the last 30 days, Cleaver Notch has averaged 16 mph wind and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, with gusts reaching 42 mph and a NoGo Score hovering near 33. This is typical for an exposed alpine peak in late spring. The week ahead will track similar exposure; high wind and temperature swings remain the primary constraints for safe travel.
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About Cleaver Notch
Cleaver Notch sits at 10,929 feet on the high Sierra crest, directly accessible from the Yosemite corridor via Highway 120. The peak lies east of Tenaya Lake in a zone frequented by backcountry ski mountaineers and climbers with winter experience. Access requires approach from the Tioga Pass region or the Lee Vining corridor to the east; most traffic arrives via the Highway 120 corridor when snow conditions permit. The notch itself is a technical alpine feature, not a casual summit. Base popularity is low (0.2), reflecting the technical skill and avalanche terrain awareness required.
Winter dominance defines Cleaver Notch's calendar. From November through May, snowpack and avalanche hazard govern when the peak is safe to approach. The 30-day average temperature of 21 degrees Fahrenheit and max wind gusts of 42 mph are winter-season norms; spring corn cycles and wind-slab formation occur in predictable patterns. Summer (June through September) sees bare rock, lower wind speeds, and moderate temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit, but this window is brief. The SAC avalanche center tracks this terrain; consult current advisories before any approach, as slab instability is common after wind events or rapid warming.
Cleaver Notch attracts ski mountaineers and alpine climbers with avalanche training and winter navigation skills. Solo hikers and families should avoid this peak entirely; the terrain is unforgiving and rescue access is extremely limited. Experienced parties plan around early morning windows when wind is calmest, typically before 10 a.m. Afternoon wind acceleration makes conditions marginal or dangerous by midday. Descents in wind-loaded conditions pose the highest risk. Visibility is often poor in afternoon clouds; turnaround times must account for early season light and navigation difficulty in whiteout conditions.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Peak (10,911 feet) to the west, which has lower avalanche exposure but similar wind patterns, and Mount Dana (13,057 feet) to the north, a longer and more committing objective. The Tuolumne Meadows area and Tenaya Lake provide lower-elevation anchors for base camps. Climbers accustomed to the Sierra crest will recognize Cleaver Notch as a stepping stone between moderate and high-consequence terrain; it is not a destination unto itself but rather a waypoint on longer traverses or a test piece for climbers pushing into steeper, more technical peaks.