[pct-l] Tahoe Conditions, 7/9/11

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

With most of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) completed under springtime snow and only two, non-PCT sections to report on, here is a synopsis of what we have seen in the last 4 weeks:

The east side of Lake Tahoe is dryer, naturally, so it is drying out fastest. It is highly likely that the TRT from Mt. Rose Ski Area south to Heavenly Ski Resort will be completely dry and visible by the last week of July. Snow may linger on north-facing, shaded slopes.

The north side of the lake is drying out below 8,000 with only a few patches of snow remaining on north slopes. Above 8,000 it is highly likely that snow is solid on north slopes and lakes are just now opening up.

South and west sides of the lake still have snow. Patches will be encountered from 7,500 to 8,000 feet, especially on the north sides of mountains and ridges and solid snow covering the trail completely above that. Lakes are trying to thaw out still. The area of the Pacific Crest Trail above 8,000 is still under snow, but by now only to the depths of 3 to 6 feet and with lakes only half full of snow. Creeks are over-flowing in meadows and roaring in canyons, but their volumes are far less than those seen in the longer drainages of the High Sierra to the south.

For more details, read our trail condition reports and see the recent pictures at http://www.mountaineducation.org/news.php



"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