[pct-l] CA precipitation to date

[Brick Robbins]

On Fri, Mar 16, 2018 at 5:35 PM, Jeffrey Olson <jjolson58 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I bit - some interpretation of "why" it's interesting...  Not trying to be
> snarky, just interested in what you see...

Norcal is running ~50-70% of normal

SoCal is running ~30% of normal

Early start would be a good thing this year, to avoid (as much as
possible) water problems in the south. Early entry into the Sierra
will be possible too.

For people thinking that they are "locked in" to a start date due to
their permit, remember that PCTA permits are NOT required to hike the
trail. If you want to start early, you can do so legally.

The only place were you need a wilderness permit south of the Sierra
is in the San Jacinto area. Due to the trail closure in that area
https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/trail-condition/pct-closed-on-mt-san-jacinto/
It is easy and convenient to get a "walk up" wilderness permit at the
ranger station in Idyllwild since you are going to road walk there
anyway, to rejoin the trail.

By the time you get to where you need permits (in SEKI and north) your
PCTA permit should be within its validity dates.

Technically you also need a dispersed camping permit in Cleveland NF
if you are not going to stay in campgrounds, but I have never seen
that enforced, and few people even know about the very old
requirement. In many years of dispersed camping in CNF, I have never
been asked for one. If you really want, you can get the permit at the
Cleveland NF ranger station in Alpine (if the person at the desk even
knows what you are talking about when you ask for it)

Here is the 1992 forest order mandating this permit. It took me a lot
of effort to get this scan.
http://www.brickrobbins.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DescansoRD.pdf

Oh, by the way, if you are going to get "all legal" on me, it is also
illegal to camp outside of campgrounds in the Laguna Mtn Recreation
Area. So technically it is illegal to camp along the PCT  from Burnt
Ranchero (mile 41) to Pioneer mail (mile 53)
http://lmva.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Lagunajpeg.jpg

HYOH LNT Keep Safe