[pct-l] Flip-Flop Start

[Dan C. aka Thumper]

I've written on the subject of SNOTEL sites vs postholer.com map overlays.  SNOTEL sites read only the immediate area around the sensor.  Read this area in feet or inches depending on the sensor.  The postholer map actually gets a daily update from NOAA and overlays snow data onto the map.  Let me tell of 2 examples;

1.  On 30 June 2010 the SNOTEL site at Harts Pass indicated 0" of snow yet there was 2 feet of snow on the area surrounding the site including the trail and Harts parking area.  Even the outhouses were covered and not dug out.  The sensor is in a clearing in full view of the daily sun.

2.  Using the postholer.com map overlays on a 27 - 29 June 2015 hike between Rainy and Harts Pass, there was snow found exactly where the map overlay indicated there would be snow and in the correct depth range.

While a sample of this limited scope might be discounted, understanding the technology GPS  NOAA uses to measure snow depth convinced me that it is a better measure of the conditions a hiker will encounter along the trail.  This is a powerful planning tool with outstanding implementation by postholer  (Scott P).  Additionally, I believe these overlays are available for all the maps posted on this site.

Go to: http://www.postholer.com/google-maps   
Select your map
Select your desired Map Skin, what I call a map overlay.

Thumper


Andrea wrote:

As it gets closer to your preferred start date start watching the various
Snotel sites under snow depth charts for the mountain passes you could flip
to. Watch the melt off rate. The whole west coast in being dumped on right
now. Spring melt may be slow or fast. Do your homework before you make any
flip decision.

PCT MOM
Andrea Dinsmore