The Three Teeth
Peak · 11,795 ft · Yosemite corridor
The Three Teeth, an 11,795-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, sits exposed to afternoon wind and crowds only on rare calm windows.
Wind accelerates off the lake basin by mid-afternoon, pushing gusts to 42 mph on typical days. Morning conditions run calmer and clearer. Expect avalanche terrain in winter; snowpack instability peaks in spring when rapid warming destabilizes the high ridges.
Over the last 30 days, The Three Teeth averaged 15 mph wind and a NoGo Score of 34, with gusts reaching 42 mph on the worst days. The week ahead remains windy and cool; plan for morning summits and watch for afternoon threshold crossings on the NoGo Score chart.
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About The Three Teeth
The Three Teeth is a high-Sierra peak at 11,795 feet in the Yosemite corridor, accessed primarily from the east side via Highway 395 and the Tioga Pass gateway. The peak sits above the Mono Basin, where cold air and afternoon wind funnels create hostile conditions by mid-day. Base popularity is low; few parties summit on windy days. Drive time from Lee Vining is roughly 2 hours one-way to trailhead. Winter access requires snowshoes or skis; summer and early fall offer the widest route options.
The Three Teeth sits in a zone where 30-day average wind runs 15 mph and temperature averages 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Daily highs can climb to 34 degrees Fahrenheit in summer; winter lows drop to 7 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Spring snowpack instability is a core concern; the peak has avalanche terrain, and warming cycles accelerate sloughing and slab release on north and east aspects. Crowds remain minimal year-round because the approach is long and the peak offers no shelter from wind. Late September to early October sees the most stable conditions and clearest skies.
The Three Teeth suits experienced climbers and mountaineers comfortable with exposed scrambling and self-rescue. Parties should plan for wind gusts exceeding 30 mph on 60 percent of days and bring a topo and helmet. Parking at trailheads fills only on rare calm weekends; solo climbers and small parties dominate. Afternoon wind makes morning departure non-negotiable; summiting after noon significantly raises slipping and blowdown risk. Cell service is unreliable; satellite communication is prudent for solo parties.
Nearby peaks in the Yosemite corridor include Mount Dana (13,053 feet) to the north, which sits lower in the wind shadow but requires longer approach, and Mono Basin summits to the southeast, which trade higher exposure for slightly better afternoon shelter. The Three Teeth is the fastest high-altitude scramble in the immediate area and suits parties with limited time or weather windows. Expect the peak to remain quiet compared to Valley and lake destinations.