[pct-l] snow comments - Crater Lake (1830) to Sisters (2007) but really only 1972-1982

[Len Glassner]

Bad News : I left Crater Lake 7/24, and used the Diamond Lake and OST
alternates (OST map found on Half Mile's site) so I can't first-person
comment much on conditions around Thielson or Diamond Peak.  But a
SOBO I met  at CL said for a NOBO glissading down the switchbacks in
Thielson area was the order of the day, and that he crossed a snow
bridge over Thielson Creek,and that he was on solid snow for a couple
of miles in Diamond Peak area.

When I hiked back up and reconnected to the PCT from DL, there
substantial trail coverage from Howlock Mountain (where I reconnected)
to somewhere around the 'OR/WA PCT highpoint' thingie, but the only
place I lost track of the trail and used the GPS to refind  was
crossing the open area or saddle that is a few tenths before the
highpoint.  But it wasn't really too bad in through here.

Good News: The snow of significance that I personally encountered was
on 7/28 - 7/29.  Starting roughly around mile 1972, the trail is
mostly covered, then nearly 100% covered for long stretches, until a
bit past 1979 (Glacier Way Trail intersection).  This encompasses
Obsidian Falls . There are footprints, but they don't always stay on
trail, go to dry patches and sometimes disappear.  I used the GPS a
lot in through here.  I hit this area in the afternoon, it was slushy
and sun-cupped.  I camped in a one-person site,just past the
aforementioned intersection, there is also water there.  There would
be more campsites but they are under snow.

White Branch Creek area, around 1981, is under trees and is mostly
clear of snow, and has flat areas.  After this area, the snow gets
severely annoying again until a few tenths past Minnie Scott Spring.
After that it wasn't much of an issue.

No postholing on this snow, but the afternoons are very slushy.  In
the morning it is a skating rink for the first couple hours, sleeping
late recommended.

Would support a ban on the phrases 'opposite day' and 'it's melting fast'.