[pct-l] Snoqualmie Pass to Steven's Pass conditions.........

[Andrea Dinsmore]

Hi Dinsmores!

I'm Hoosierdaddy (Steve) and I know that you guys update the PCT-l
frequently with trail info and thought that you could get this message out
to even more people than that single list!

I have just talked with a guy who has just returned from going south through
Goat Rocks on the PCT on Tuesday. (7-29-08)  He intersected the PCT near
Shoe Lake and went south.  He had NO ice axe or crampons...just trekking
poles and he did fine.
First, he said there is no snow on the trail until just below Elk Pass.
There is a good campsite with patchy snow but plenty of running water, just
below Elk Pass on a large flat bench.  Melted out camping spots here &
there.  From there on south, up to Elk Pass there are several moderately
steep patches of snow, but nothing of much concern.

He said that as long as you don't go low across the Packwood Glacier and if
you would go up and over Old Snowy instead, there is absolutely no need for
either ice axe or crampons!  On that section, it was kinda dicey!

He said the split-off, old Cascade Crest Trail has no snow on it on the
route to the top of Old Snowy, or for that matter on the Knife Edge Ridge,
and that it is all just wet gravel and plenty of exposure.  He did say that
there is snow across the trail south of Old Snowy, however the terrain is
gentle and there are no scary parts.  Slight route finding was an issue due
to the snow, but not a huge deal...just keep looking for trail pieces.  He
ended up just going cross country and easily found the trail again as he
neared Snowgrass Flats.  He had no info. for anything south of Snowgrass
Flats, but since it is mainly south facing and the weather promises to be
sunny & warmer, I'd assume there will be minimal problems associated with
snow, other than perhaps route finding.

Hope this info is helpful!  I'm leaving from White Pass heading south
tomorrow!

Hoosierdaddy.