[pct-l] You CAN start early!

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

Greetings from South Lake Tahoe!

Hiking on (not through) snow can be safe and simple if you prepare for it 
with a little training and practice!

Don't wait to learn how to deal with it once you're out there; this only 
leads to unnecessary anxiety.

Whether you have to deal with a foot or twenty, the techniques are still the 
same.

I started my PCT thru on March 14th and ended on Sept. 2nd. I had solid snow 
from the Kennedy Meadows area all the way through Tahoe and patches of it on 
into Oregon. Keep in mind I departed at the end of a winter that dumped 27 
feet of snow in the Tahoe backcountry where I trained in January and 
February preceding.

As L-Rod stated, just don't go into it unprepared and it is simply gorgeous!

For further lengthy answers to similar snow-related questions, see the 
archives from Mtnned, Ned at Mountain Education, or just drop me an email 
and I'll broadcast the answer to everyone on the List.

Yes, and regrettably, we have had to close down Mountain Education due to 
lack of sufficient profit to keep the doors open. However, our love for the 
winter High Sierra keeps us skiing Heavenly and pulling our sleds through 
Desolation monthly once the snow flies!


Mtnned


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <bighummel at aol.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 1:58 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Pct-l Digest, Vol 10, Issue 36


> Wow, it is truly a rare thing when Donna and I agree on something and this 
> is one.? I have touted leaving early into the Sierra for those 
> comfortable, experienced and equipped for snow travel, as seeing the 
> Sierra in full snow is a treat that few of us get to experience, plus you 
> have the benefit of no bears nor bugs yet, and no people!! Truly on your 
> own.? As Donna says, though, go prepared for anything, as late Spring snow 
> storms do happen, about 20% of the time according to records.
>
> Greg Hummel "Strider"
>
>
>
>
> From: "Donna Saufley" <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] April hiking
> To: <roger.e.wolff at gmail.com>,  <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <001801c932de$25946320$70bd2960$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="us-ascii"
>
> Roger and all other aspiring thrus,
>
> Mid-April is a fairly typical start date.  Many hikers leave a week to 10
> days before the KO, and then hitch back to the event, which is usually 
> near
> the end of April.
>
> A "wait it out" strategy is one option, but I offer the following for
> consideration.  I had the great privilege of hiking through the Sierras in
> June-July of '06, a big snow year. I've been up there subsequently at the
> same time of year, but in average snow conditions, and in the fall and
> winter hiking, snowshoeing, and x-country skiing.  IMHO, snow can be your
> friend; it is much easier to walk on consolidated snow than it is to walk 
> on
> snow that is rotting out, where you are post holing through. If you're 
> ahead
> of the peak melt-off, the streams are not as swollen. The point is, 
> waiting
> sets you up for a different set of challenges, not necessarily "better"
> conditions.
>
> If you haven't already, I strongly recommend spending time getting
> comfortable hiking and camping on snow, learning how to self-arrest, use a
> map and compass, and how to read snow conditions. Make sure you and your
> gear are ready for what might get thrown at you. It will make you a more
> prepared long-distance hiker, and it opens up a whole world of opportunity
> and enchantment. Besides, it's fun!
>
> L-Rod
>
>
>
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