[pct-l] SIERRA SNOW REPORT.... Good News & Bad News

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

We just recently heard a report by a PCT thru hiker from last year who 
lamented that we wished he had entered the Sierra "early" so he would have 
had harder snow for longer making walking easier and avoiding long sessions 
of tedious post-holing. I hope he will describe his story directly to the 
pct-l so you can hear it in his own words. What Mango said we heartily agree 
with!

If you enter the Sierra "late," trying to avoid snow altogether (or as much 
as possible), you will probably be in the middle of the thaw when the snow 
is really soft and the creeks are roaringly high. I believe it was the above 
gentleman's opinion that his days would have been easier and Passes safer to 
get over (easier to walk on top of the snow without falling through) if he 
had gone through the high altitude sections (KM to Tahoe) while the snow was 
firmer (pre-thaw) so that once the thaw started, he would have been at lower 
altitudes where the terrain was mellower and the thaw was almost over.

Yes, the earlier the entry, the more likely the access roads will be closed 
to getting rides into town. When we arrived last year at Horseshoe Meadows 
(Trail Pass-Cottonwood Pass area) May 14th, the road was still closed and we 
faced one helluva road walk into Lone Pine. Thanks to a local's access to 
the road from their adjoining ranch, Lady J was able to reach us before we 
passed out trying!

Please keep in mind that we still had snow storms to the end of May. No big 
deal--not a lot of accumulation. They actually helped keep the daily temps 
down so that the creeks were low (Tyndall was completely buried) and the 
snow was easy to walk on. However, we were certainly glad to have our winter 
gear with us (meaning bigger and heavier than summer loads) so we could 
remain warm and dry throughout the two months (May and June) to our exit at 
the John Muir Trail Ranch.

Once we get our videos out to the remodeled website, you will be able to see 
for yourselves what it actually looked like, the skills we taught along the 
way about ascending and descending techniques for the Passes and creek 
crossing tips for all the not-so-scary creeks. A piece of the production can 
be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po7gWQzrrGw in which you will see 
the ease of snow camping, wet trail, a difficult Forester Pass experience, 
and the helicopter that rescued Calorie.



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim & Jane Moody" <moodyjj at comcast.net>
To: "Reinhold Metzger" <reinholdmetzger at cox.net>
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 10:05 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] SIERRA SNOW REPORT.... Good News & Bad News


>
>
> I don't think lots of snow is trouble for thru-hikers; just the opposite. 
> Based on my limited experience, the Sierra is easier to get through with a 
> deep, consolidated snow pack than a warm, melting, suncup-infested snow 
> pack. The surface is firmer, the streams are safer (albeit colder), the 
> bugs are still unhatched, and the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous.
>
>
>
> Some drawbacks are possible lack of access at road crossings, with 
> concurrent longer segments between resupplies, more difficult climbs to 
> some passes (esp. Forester and Mather), heavier gear for cold weather.
>
>
>
> I do agree that additional snow skills and gear are needed. Along with a 
> good group that is committed to staying together. Taking Ned's course is 
> always useful, whether you go through in May, June, July, August, 
> whatever.
>
>
>
> Mango
>
>
>
>> Secondly.... Mammoth Mountain, this season, has already received 336" of 
>> snow and more is
>> forecast for Monday and Tuesday which, of course, is good news for "Ski 
>> Bums" like me but
>> bad news for "Hiker Trash" like you.
>
> Seriously guys, do the math, the average snow fall for the season at 
> Mammoth over the last
> 40 years has been 342" and the season is far from over.
>
> But don't be scared....be prepared ....take Ned's snow course.
> It won't hurt you....but it could keep you out of trouble or perhaps save 
> your life.
>
> JMT Reinhold
> The ski bum
>
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