[pct-l] [John Muir Trail] Re: Trail Conditions

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Just a quick update from the Sierra-north:

We just got through Desolation to Miller Creek (1122) and the snow situation is grim. Even for the snow-experienced, the constant kicking of traverse steps, heel-plunging, easing across snow bridges, and the navigation under forest cover is both exhausting and slow. A mile/hour is average. We came out due to illness and a presentation we needed to be present at for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

Snow is patchy at 7,500 and solid at 8,000. The patches are 3 to 5 feet thick across the trail up to 8,000 and 4 to 8 feet thick above 8,000 with all lakes still frozen and streams covered. Navigation in the trees is very trying and slow, so make sure you have the current tracks in your GPS units, fresh batteries, and 7.5-minute topos in hand!

More to come. See photos and trail descriptions at www.mountaineducation.org 



"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
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John 
  To: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 9:14 AM
  Subject: [John Muir Trail] Re: Trail Conditions


    
  I talked to a thru hiker in Lee Vining (Yosemite) two days ago. He said that he "basically hadn't been on a trail since Cottonwood" (Whitney).

  He was skipping northern Yosemite due to impassable streams. Asked "what's it like here in October?"

  The snow is going fast up here, but there is a lot to go!

  JD
  Walk the Sky: Following the John Muir Trail
  www.johndittli.com

  --- In johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com, "roadndirt" <nelsonheathers at ...> wrote:
  >
  > One of my friends called last night after reaching Mammoth and said she's never been so scared in her life. She's exhausted, injured and leaving the trail. Her husband will continue.
  > This just in from my PCT friends:
  > 
  > We just reached Mammoth today and are staying at a condo on the invitation
  > of more wonderful angels.
  > Our recommendations for anyone attempting Glenn Pass to Reds Meadows.
  > Mather Pass: Know how to use your ice axe. Only a technical traverse is
  > possible on the left flank. PCT trail on right totally snowed over and
  > impossible.
  > Rivers and streams are overbank
  > Snow everywhere
  > Some stream crossings boardering on dangerous, life threatening.
  > Going is very slow.
  > Mono Creek (mile 882 approx) was most difficult.
  > This is not the PCT we signed up for.
  > More details and wild Sierra stories coming to this journal in the next few days. It was quite the adventure.
  >



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