[pct-l] current Carson Pass trail conditions

[Ned Tibbits]

Dave, 

I noticed that I missed this little detail after I hit the ‘send’ button!

Carson Pass, southside, above 9,000 feet had about 2 feet of snow which was very wet! Pinwheels were running down the steeper slopes above Winnemucca Lake off Round Top Mtn indicating a heavy snowpack because of all the recent rain. As long as the nights remain near freezing, hikers will be able to continue to easily walk on the surface till about 10:30am before postholing.

However, if the days become sunny and the temps summer-like, the pack will not last long. The normal thaw rate is in excess of 1 inch per day.

Creek crossings will become the main hazard, but will not last long as there simply is not much snow up there...


Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education, Inc.
www.mountaineducation.org 
ned at mountaineducation.org 


Mission:
"To minimize wilderness accidents, injury, and illness in order to maximize wilderness enjoyment, safety, and personal growth, all through experiential education and risk awareness training."

From: Dave Fajer 
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2015 5:45 PM
To: Ned Tibbits 
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Subject: Re: [pct-l] current Carson Pass trail conditions

Thanks Ned!  What was the depth of snow you were postholing in?

Dave

On May 25, 2015 5:06 PM, "Ned Tibbits" <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:

  Much to our surprise, the kind of snow present around mile 1075 (to be exact, on the northern aspect of Round Top Mountain at Winnemucca Lake east of 1075) was nothing like what Mountain Education experienced recently in the southern sierra!

  This is good news for those north-bound!

  There is consolidated snow (not powder snow) present around Carson Pass! This means no wallowing through powder snow and we were quite able to freely walk on top of the snow pack without traction aides, but using good boots with deep lug soles.

  The nights were hovering around 34-35 degrees with snow showers/rain all day. Weather predictions for the area are expected to improve to summer-like temperatures after this Thursday, May 28th with thunderstorms and possible snow between now and then.

  Postholing is ever-present, though, after 10:00-12:00 noon!


  Ned Tibbits, Director
  Mountain Education, Inc.
  www.mountaineducation.org
  ned at mountaineducation.org


  Mission:
  "To minimize wilderness accidents, injury, and illness in order to maximize wilderness enjoyment, safety, and personal growth, all through experiential education and risk awareness training."
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