[pct-l] Current Snow Conditions, Forester Pass

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Just got back from teaching Mountain Education's "SAC-1" (Snow Advanced Course) over Cottonwood (11,160), Forester (13,180), and Kearsarge (11,712) Passes for 11 days (May 21 - 31). 

Snow levels as follows: South aspects - 3 to 5' patches at 10,000 and solid at 11,000; North aspects - 3 to 5' patches at 9,500 and solid at 10,000; Eastern and Western aspects are somewhere in between.

The lakes are still completely frozen at 10,500. Snow bridges still exist over creeks at 10,200 (Whitney, Wallace) and 10,800 (Wright, Tyndall). Creek volume and flow rate are up twice of last year's at this time. Some drainages have more snow, while some have less, compared to last year. 

Overall, there is about 2 feet more consolidated snow than last year. Temps are still cold, though it appears the thaw is starting. Snowing there now, however, with more on the way!

Will write an "After-Action" report for the whole trip from Kennedy Meadows to Kearsarge Pass shortly!


"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