Because of uncertainty about what type of weather and snow conditions to expect on Potosi Mtn, we discussed altering our plans and climbing the lower and more accessible Pahrump Pt instead. However, because we were committed to meet two climbers who had signed up just for Potosi, this could not be done.
Potosi Mtn: To make it easier for the two climbers to find us, we had agreed to car camp and meet at Potosi Spring, a relatively easy location to find (there reportedly are cleaner sites uproad).
On a pleasant Sunday morning, after having become tired of waiting for two errant people, we headed east up a chute that has a pair of flat topped pinnacles in the saddle. Although enjoyable Cl 2, our path was not as direct as the Route A Variation, up the lateral ridge immediately to the north (the top of which cannot be seen from the Spring).
At the saddle we contoured high toward the last bump on the main ridge before the junction of route B, instead of following Guide directions and taking the ridge the whole distance. Obstacles and side-hilling, probably made our route more exerting.
Around the last bump the snowline was reached, and Paul had to begin step kicking up the grade as the expected snow gradually deepened.
From what had begun as an almost balmy day trek to the summit of Potosi, turned into unstable and fast changing weather.
We could see a high wall of menacing looking clouds hugging the North and East slopes of Potosi accompanied by ominous claps of thunder.
The temperature had dropped to 37 degrees and there was a light pelting of snow. The solid ground covering of snow was also of concern to those who had come unprepared. As a result, our Group turned back at 11:20 AM.
As we descended it was not too long before the weather improved somewhat, so at a point around five minutes away from the chute we had climbed from the Spring, an hour for lunch and siesta was taken.
However, almost immediately after continuing on again all-hell-broke-loose and we were chased down the mountainside by thunder, lightening and rain that suddenly appeared from out of nowhere.
It was an exciting experience one could live without. Upon return to our cars both exhilaration and relief was felt. Our congenial group decided to meet for dinner at Rosita's Mexican Restaurant in Barstow. All enjoyed their meals. The participants made leading Brown and Potosi a pleasurable experience.
