[pct-l] tahoe snow, 6/21

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

For the PCT/TRT from Meis Meadow to Echo Summit:

There is 4 to 6 feet of snow covering the trail above 8,000 feet with snow bridges intact over most creeks. Most lakes are still completely frozen over with recent evidence of rapid melting under 60-degree days (80 degrees at Lake Tahoe), so some outflows are opening. The nights are still freezing (just barely), so the morning snow surface is hard for the first hours or so, then slop on top. Posting doesn't start until after 10am or so under the intense Spring thaw sun. Creeks are definitely high, meadows are flooded, and lakes overflowing. Mosquitoes are just showing up at 7500 (Benwood Meadows). Trail route confusion due to blow-down in the area of Nebelhorn sledding area south of 50, so beware! Cut your daily mileage expectancies in half and carry nearly twice the normal amount of food. Be happy with 5 to 10 miles per day.

Watch out for slippery snow from Round Lake all the way around to Echo. Snow shoes are not necessary and will actually be a hazard because you are on traverses most of the time. Use good boots and kick your steps when necessary. Heel-Plunge the direct downhills like from Upper Benwood to Lower Benwood. We do not recommend that you follow the ridge route between Benwood and Bryan Meadows as it is too steep and covered with snow; follow the creek itself to and through Benwood, just stay off to the side of the creek's flow under the pack to avoid any thin bridges and falling in. Watch out for lots of blow-down and wind debris in this same drainage! The trail around Nebelhorn is a mess of snow and debris, so stay on the right trail. Water is everywhere and the snow is melting fast, but there is still a lot of it up there!

For the JMT:

Although most of these recent observations are of the PCT-TRT, much of these same conditions exist along the JMT. Obviously, creeks are up big time, but they still can be forded safely if you take the time to search out logs and rock-hops upstream and cross in the mornings. If the snow becomes "stupid-soft" in the afternoons and post-holing is happening with almost every step, consider starting your days very early so you can walk on hard snow to get your miles done. If you do this, consider using Kahtoola KTS crampons for those hard, slippery surfaces. Microspikes only work on the flats and the straight ups and downs; traverses on hard surfaces cause the microspikes to roll off the feet and Kahtoola will tell you so. 



"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