Three-D Divide
Peak · 10,779 ft · Yosemite corridor
Three-D Divide is a 10,779-foot Sierra Nevada peak in the Yosemite corridor, exposed to afternoon wind funnels off adjacent lakes and passes. Winter and spring approaches traverse avalanche terrain.
Wind accelerates off the east side by mid-afternoon, especially when pressure systems push air through the divide. Morning calm is the rule; plan summit attempts before noon. Snow cover persists well into spring; assess slab stability before climbing.
Over the last 30 days, Three-D Divide averaged 10 mph wind and 24°F, with a rolling 30-day NoGo Score of 32. Wind spikes to 34 mph are common; the week ahead will clarify whether afternoon gusts intensify. Watch the temperature trend; warmer days accelerate snowpack instability on steep north-facing slopes.
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About Three-D Divide
Three-D Divide sits at the confluence of three drainage systems in the high Sierra, roughly 10 miles northeast of Lyell Canyon and accessible via the Yosemite high country network. The peak straddles the boundary between the Tuolumne and Mono watersheds. Primary access is from Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road) via trailheads near Tenaya Lake or the Tuolumne Meadows area; allow 2 to 3 hours of driving from the valley floor. The approach traverses subalpine forest and high-elevation meadow before breaking into exposed alpine terrain. Parking at trailhead lots fills rapidly on weekends during snow-free season.
Three-D Divide receives direct afternoon wind funneling from the east, making it significantly windier than valley floor locations and comparable to other High Sierra passes like Kearsarge. The 30-day average wind is 10 mph, but gusts reach 34 mph when upper-level troughs push through. Temperatures average 24°F over the rolling 30-day period; winter lows drop to 11°F and summer highs rarely exceed 36°F. Snowpack lingers from October through June; spring corn and freeze-thaw cycles dominate April and May. The rolling 30-day NoGo Score of 32 reflects the combination of wind exposure and avalanche hazard. Crowds are minimal outside peak summer weekends; the location's base popularity is low compared to Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows.
Three-D Divide suits climbers, peakbaggers, and backcountry ski tourers with avalanche training. Summer ascents are straightforward scrambles on dry rock; winter and spring routes demand careful snowpack evaluation and route-finding through avalanche gullies. Most visitors arrive on clear mornings and descend before afternoon wind and clouds roll in. High-altitude exposure and avalanche terrain mean this peak is not for casual day-hikers; parties should carry communication devices and be prepared for weather swings. The lack of water sources above treeline means you must carry or melt snow; fuel reliability decreases above 10,000 feet.
Nearby alternatives in the Yosemite corridor include Cathedral Peak (10,911 feet), which is slightly higher but offers better shelter in the north-facing gully approach, and Lyell Peak (11,980 feet), which is colder and winds earlier in the season. The Tioga Pass area (9,945 feet) sits 15 miles east and is windier but lower. Three-D Divide is best paired with a multi-day high-country traverse; soloing it as a day trip from the valley entails significant drive time.