[pct-l] The right snowshoes and how to predict where they will be needed

[Sequoia Kennels]

Since this has been a heavy snow pack year, with snow in the sierras likely through June, I hope some veterns will help with snowshoe information:

1. Which lightweight showshoe will be strong enough to hold me and pack, say 250# gross weight.

2. What's the best way to find out the snow/trail conditions ahead with enough time to get the showshoes shipped to me.

3. Can showshoes be mailed or is there a better way to ship them to my location of need.

4. Would x-country skis be a possible alternative?

5. Supposing that this is going to be a high snow pack year, at what point on the trail will SS become useful.

>From the Fresno Bee, January 30th, 2010:
Statewide snow surveys show the Sierra Nevada's snowpack is 115% of average for this time of year -- nearly double the size a year ago.In the Sierra east of Fresno, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. officials said the snowpack is 116% of average, compared to 66% of average last year at this time.Statewide snow surveys show the Sierra Nevada's snowpack is 115% of average for this time of year -- nearly double the size a year ago.In the Sierra east of Fresno, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. officials said the snowpack is 116% of average, compared to 66% of average last year at this time.

In addition to the above, there were five huge storms during February.