[pct-l] Current Sierra Conditions

[Claire Porter]

Hi folks,

I just hopped out if the Sierra at Kearsarge Pass in company with Eric D.
There is still a lot of snow up there.  It is melting fast, and the rivers
are running high.  Don't let that stop you though.  It is very do-able and
loads of fun if you keep three things in mind:

1. Navigation - while the path is easy to find through the snow patches for
most of the trail, there are some very tricky sections where the coverage is
extensive, and the approaches to Whitney and Forester are nearly completely
covered.  Have a map, know hoe to use it.  If you are not confident in your
trail finding skills, bring a GPS with maps.  As a trail newbie, I found my
GPS very helpful in a few situations.

2. Food - the snow slows you down as well as making you tired.  Plan for the
extra calories and reduced mileage.  Both Eric and I found ourselves eating
more than we anticipated.

3. Weather - by all reports the next week will be hellish up there, with
high winds and cold temps.  Wait for that to pass.  More snow will have
melted then too.

Here's the detailed breakdown:

Kennedy Meadows to Trail Pass - the snow starts after climbing Cow creek.
The snow frequently covers the trail, but not for long sections.

Trail Pass to Whitney cutoff - ditto on the snow.  The Rock Creek was
running fast, but was not difficult or dangerous to ford.  Trekking poles
helped.

Whitney - a very slow approach because of the snow.  Some postholing, though
the deeper snow was still relatively firm.  The snow softened up very
quickly after dawn.  the snow fields are all rather flat, so no danger
there.  The switchbacks are mostly clear, with just 4 steep snow crossings.
Ice ax was helpful for stability, not necessary.  Gaiters and/or pants will
save your sanity.  Give yourself plenty of time, the going is slow.

Whitney to Forester - frequent but patchy snow on the fist half of the
approach.  The second half is just like Whitney.  Trail finding is
difficult, and postholing happens often.  Thankfully, the deeper snow is
usually stiff enough to walk on, but not consistently.  River crossings not
bad.

Forester - switchbacks are NOT to totally clear for the bottom half.  Many
snow crossings.  I just went straight up the snow fields instead.  The
second half is mostly clear, with only one steep and rather icy crossing
near the top.  It's short and do-able, but be careful.  Ice ax very helpful
here as an anchor.

Forester to Kearsarge trail cutoff - Make sure to summit Forester relatively
early, since the north side of the pass is completely snow-covered for at
least 5 miles to the Center Basin Trail.  Center Basin Creek was raging
when I hit it (at night), but near the confluence with Bubbs Creek it splits
in two for an easy crossing.  This whole section has NO visible trail, but
all the snow makes for good glissading.  For a fast descent, follow our
slide off the left side of the ridge as you descend, instead of going down
straight from the pass.  Thanks to Steve for that pointer.

Kearsarge Pass trail - extensive snow at points, but the trail is much
easier to follow in the approach to the pass.  The descent is totally snowy,
but that actually makes it faster.

Independence - no snow here.  The grocery store in Independence has closed.
Lone Pine or Bishop now, I guess.

Have fun,
Claire