Mount Emma
Peak · 10,530 ft · Yosemite corridor
Mount Emma is a 10,530-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. High elevation and exposure make it a winter and spring objective with avalanche terrain requiring careful timing.
Wind averages 12 mph across 30 days, with gusts to 35 mph in afternoon thermals. Expect cold, dry conditions typical of high Sierra peaks. Early morning ascents avoid the strongest afternoon flows. Snowpack and cornices dominate the hazard profile through spring.
Over the last 30 days, Mount Emma averaged a NoGo Score of 32.0 with temperatures around 30 degrees Fahrenheit and 12 mph winds. The 7-day outlook will clarify whether crowding stays sparse and whether afternoon wind spikes force an earlier start or a skip day.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Mount Emma
Mount Emma sits at 10,530 feet in the high Sierra Nevada within the Yosemite corridor, northeast of Yosemite Valley proper. Access from the Highway 120 corridor via eastern Sierra gateways (Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes) is the primary approach. The peak's avalanche terrain and high elevation make it a winter and spring technical objective rather than a summer walk-up. Early-season attempts require either a Winter mountaineering permit or confirmation of stable access through the SAC avalanche center forecasts.
The 30-day rolling average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the peak's high-elevation, cold-exposure character. Wind averages 12 mph but climbs to 35 mph in gusts, particularly in afternoon thermals and lee-side acceleration zones. Crowding remains minimal year-round (3.0 average), typical of a technical, avalanche-prone objective that filters casual visitors. Spring sees the most activity as conditions stabilize, but snowpack instability and cornice collapse remain dominant hazards through late spring.
Mount Emma suits experienced mountaineers planning winter or early-spring ski ascents and mixed rock-snow routes. Parties must understand avalanche terrain assessment, carry proper safety gear, and monitor SAC forecasts daily. Solo traffic is rare; most visitors come as part of organized climbing groups or experienced partners. Plan for 3 to 4-hour approaches depending on snow conditions and route choice. Afternoon winds make early starts mandatory. Parking at trailheads fills rarely, but winter road closures on Highway 120 can force longer approaches from the south or east.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Peak and other 10,000+ foot objectives in the Yosemite high country, though those often draw higher traffic on stable summer weekends. Mount Emma's avalanche terrain and high-elevation exposure make it distinct from Yosemite Valley's granite scrambles. Winter climbers seeking similar difficulty and isolation often compare it to peaks in the Mono Basin or the Dana Plateau, where wind and snowpack considerations are equally critical.