[pct-l] Scary stuff ahead

[Eric Lee (GAMES)]

Darren wrote:
>
Is there something specifically scary you have heard about Sonora? It's only
at about 9600 feet and there is a hwy there as well. I do see a few saddles
on the miles approaching Sonora that are a bit higher and a few areas that
look pretty steep. According to Scotts latest Postholer post there is still significant
snow in the area. (look for his boot while you are there!) :)
>

The Guidebook calls it "potentially lethal".  People have documented several near-death experiences on Sonora Pass, most notably Cindy Ross in her book "Journey on the Crest".  There have been similar stories in trail journals of years past.

I've not actually been on Sonora Pass in snow myself, but judging from what I've read, the problem seems to be a combination of a) snow that tends to stick around late, b) a slope that's steeper than it looks, c) exposed rocks at the bottom of a long steep run, d) a lot of people have already sent their ice axes home by the time they get there, e) the highway is in sight so people switch off their brains.

My impression is that it doesn't *have* to be dangerous, but people tend to underestimate the risk there and do crazy things.

Eric