[pct-l] snow this summer?

[giniajim]

Any guess about crossing the Clark Range in Yosemite around the end of July (Red Peak Pass to be specific)?

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: ned at mountaineducation.org 
  To: PCT MailingList 
  Cc: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 10:36 PM
  Subject: [pct-l] snow this summer?


  We were asked the following question regarding what to use to travel the snowy trails this Spring/Summer at altitude:

  "Do you think the JMT from July 26-August 20 this year may call for the use of any of these items -- if so, which? If worse comes to worse, I could handle bringing Microspikes, but Snowshoes and Crampons are far heavier and I really hoping not to have to bring those.

  "I've never needed them for July/August JMT or July/August HST hiking before".

  July this year along the PCT/JMT will show Passes covered in snow with up to 5 miles of snowy approaches and descents, like last year, but worse. 

  On July 4th I was on Muir Pass last year filming for the Mountain Education Snow Skills DVDs. There was two to three feet of snow at Muir Hut and snow all the way down both sides of the Pass for 4 or 5 miles each way. This year ought to have longer snow approaches. 

  Snow level right now (5/17/11) should be around 7,000 feet, depending on the exposure. Mountain Education will, again, be headed up and over Forester Pass May 28th to check all this out for this year and reporting back to the PCTA and the Kennedy Meadows General Store by sat. phone. We should be able to post the info on these forums and List serves, also, so you can properly prepare for the need for traction aids, good poles and boots for predictable balance, and other things considered like ice axes and self-arrest poles.

  I would expect to carry at least Kahtoola Microspikes to help deal with slippery snow troughs made by hikers preceding and packing the snow down. Traditional boots with lug soles and decent heels will help negate this item and ensure, not only your traction, but your predictable balance while kicking footholds in the snow. 

  If you are scheduled to be at elevation when there is crusty snow in the mornings and soup in the afternoons, do your hiking once the surface snow has softened slightly (enough to give you traction and not slip) and get off it by mid-afternoon, before you start falling in (post-holing). Getting over Passes is easiest and safest this way. Using self-arrest poles to stop a slide is always best for when you accidently slip and fall on moderate pitches (the typical situation. Black Diamond makes one we always  use called the Whippet. Just learn how to self-arrest.)

  Slip and falls can happen anywhere, just on snow they can result in sliding out of control into rocks or trees. If you are going into the mountains with crusty snow, know when the best time of day is that provides the best traction and purchase for your boots. Prevent falls by paying attention to each foot placement. I know that means you have to be careful and watch what you're doing, but you will have a great time, see beautiful scenery covered in snow, and come home in one piece to tell about it. If you do fall and slide, you control your descent with the Whippet or an ice axe and come to a stop before hitting something hard. That is why you carry it.

  For further information on snow safety, hiking skills for snow, snow camping, creek crossing techniques, and navigating over snow when you can't see the trail, go to www.mountaineducation.org or email info at mountaineducation.org. We offer inexpensive Skills Courses to train you how to be safe and enjoy the snowy backcountry!




  "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