[pct-l] Snow Levels in Oregon

[Patrick Beggan]

This is the kind of post I like on the PCT-L. Not the jumble of off- 
topic idiocy that has filled it lately. Let's all try and be more like  
Mr. Kraft!


On Feb 9, 2008, at 10:56 AM, Wayne Kraft wrote:

> Much is made of the snow levels in the high passes, but the snow  
> data so far
> this year suggests that the high elevation snow levels in Oregon are  
> only
> above average, not monumental.  The snow accumulation at lower  
> elevations,
> say 3000-4000', is much more impressive, maybe unprecedented, at  
> least in
> the era since Eric Ryback passed through. Take a look at this graph  
> of the
> Snotel site Blazed Alder.  Blazed Alder is at 3650' near Mt. Hood.   
> It is
> not on the PCT but it is close enough to give you an idea what is on  
> the
> ground right now in the lower elevations from, say, Timothy Lake to  
> Wahtum
> Lake:
>
> http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/cgibin/wygraph-swe-only.pl?stationidname=21d33s-Blazed%20Alder&state=OR
>
> Keep in mind that a hiker who leaves Timberline Lodge at 6000' at  
> daybreak
> and hikes the PCT northbound will likely have lunch near the Sandy  
> River at
> less than 3000'.
>
> Current conditions are no guarantee of conditions come August, but  
> it seems
> unlikely that this year will play out without some events that add  
> adventure
> to a PCT hike.  If the snow stays late, we'll be hiking over snow in  
> places
> like the Three Sisters Wilderness.  If there is an early rapid melt,  
> erosion
> will challenge trail maintainers' ability to repair the trail before  
> hikers
> arrive.  It should be interesting.
>
> What will future years bring?  Interesting article here:
>
> http://ibdeditorial.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=287279412587175
>
> Hmmm.  Where's that Arizona Trail website again?
>
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