[pct-l] SoCal snow

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good morning, Alexandra,



Even though it’s still early, from
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/products/PLOT_SWC.2010.pdf  it appears
this season’s snowpack will be average – or slightly higher – through
California.  N. California seems to have the most, but that’s encountered
later in the hike.  What that means is a typical hiker will consider
traction aids: Some will use them and some won’t.  Unless one is really
leading the pack there should be tracks to follow, which offer better
opportunities for walking without the added weight of traction devices.

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=264464

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=264576

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=264768



Light, compact ice axes are commonly carried by PCT hikers in an average
year – carried far more than actually used – but experts seem to agree that
unless one has been trained in self-arrest, and has practiced doing so, an
ice axe is not really worth the trouble.
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=264671 Again, established
trail-tracks significantly reduce the possibility of encountering places
where there is a threat of a high-risk fall.



Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09


On Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 9:51 PM, Alexandra Larsen <aalarsen at uwalumni.com>wrote:

> Looking for thoughts on snow and the need for crampons/ice axe in SoCal.
> We're starting out with the herd from the KO.
>
> Thanks!
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