[pct-l] Trail Conditions: Mammoth to Sonora, Sonora to Donner Pass

[Claire Porter]

Hi folks,

Sorry for the long wait between trail updates.  I have not been in Internet
range for a few hundred miles.

Trail conditions are similar along the whole route after you descend from
the High Sierra.  The passes and higher elevations are still well-covered
with snow, especially on the north faces.  But, it is dense and easy to walk
on and soft enough after early morning for good footholds.  Trekking poles
were very helpful, but I didn't take my ice ax off my pack after Mammoth.
Navigation can be tricky.  Again, know where you are and where you are
going.  The lower elevations are clear or have patches only in the shade.

There are still plenty of snow patches that can confuse the trail and be icy
in the morning, but the conditions are not something to panic over.
Especially in the Desolation Wilderness and around Tahoe in general, there
are tons of other people out and about, and the trails are well tracked even
in the snow.  Clearly, you should have a map and some map-reading
experience, but you'll be fine.  Some of the snow patches are steep and
slippery, so use good judgement when deciding to cross them or go around.
If you made it over the High Sierra, these sections will be a breeze.

The "lethal" snow fields on either side of Sonora Pass are most definitely
not lethal.  Take your time, be careful.  You can usually go around if you
feel unsafe.  Depending on your desire to be "pure", I suggest cutting the
long switchback descent to Sonora pass by sliding down the creek's
snowfield.  Those were the only areas I felt unsafe.

Water is not present in the parts where you are on the Sierra
Crest.  Otherwise the snowmelt is still everywhere.

Any other details people want? Let me know.

C