[pct-l] [John Muir Trail] above record level snow

[Ron Dye]

Ned's advice is right on target (as usual).  I have hiked most of my life
(and I'm older than most of you) and have some limited snow experience.
But, what I encountered in the Sierra's in early June during my 2009
thru-hike was beyond my capabilities.  When we failed to negotiate Glenn
Pass (12,100') for the second time in two days due to fresh snow, we elected
to return to Lone Pine via Kersarge Pass.  I eventually elected to return
home while the weather cleared (11 days) and jumped ahead to Tuolumne Pass
as I had already done the JMT 3 times.  What my hiking companion did, and
what I will do this year in a similar situation, was put together an
expedition type team that committed to staying together through the snow
areas.  They did so (about ten of them) and were successful.  I would NEVER
attempt to cross that areas during snow conditions with fewer than three and
that's a minimum.  Weather reports notwithstanding, nobody ever knows what
the Sierras can bring for certain.  There is certainly truth to the old
adage that there is safety in numbers - especially when accompanied by good
gear, knowledge and experience.

Thanks again, Ned.

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of ned at mountaineducation.org
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 3:01 PM
To: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com
Cc: PCT MailingList
Subject: Re: [pct-l] [John Muir Trail] above record level snow

No matter what continues to happen this season as far as snowfall, being
prepared for snow, whether it falls on you during your summer hike or you
find it over the trail in large fields across a Pass, is priceless to your
safety and hike enjoyment. As someone mentioned the other day, snow doesn't
"care" about you. "Bad" weather can blow in any month of the year in the
Sierra and it doesn't have to be snow and cold to put you at risk. Just plan
and prepare for it.

Safe passage is all about knowledge, skills, experience, and simply being
able to listen to that "little voice inside" that speaks caution once in a
while. Don't assume, based on likelihood, percentages, history, or even
experience, that everything is going to be fine. Many a seasoned guide,
explorer, or adventurer has been caught off guard in the wrong place at the
wrong time and suffered for it. Many a naive backpacker has done just fine.
Time and Circumstance.

Part of the fun of mountain travel is being prepared for whatever may come,
having the "tools" inside you to know how to deal with adversity in comfort.
Isn't it wonderful to be able to be warm and cozy inside your tent cooking
up some hot chocolate while a White-out blows outside? All because you were
aware in your planning that it might happen. 

However, some states of readiness necessitate carrying more gear, which to
many is not acceptable. Each hiker has to come to this decision for
themselves based on their priorities and desires in and from the very act of
mountain travel. 

Research what the realities of the trail can be and prepare for them. You
may never have to deal with certain circumstances that you prepare for, but
the knowledge, skill, and training can only make you a better and safer
explorer in your own right.



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
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