[pct-l] Re: PCT snow

[KBerger466@aol.com]

Personally, I thought hiking the Sierra in snowmelt was one of the highlights 
of my hiking life! I hiked in 97, an "average" snow year (Snow at 90 percent 
of average when I left Kennedy meadows in mid-June). There were miles of snow 
on both sides of Muir -- for me that was the "hardest" pass just because of 
the exertion. The chute on Forester IS covered often until August (I've been 
there a bunch of times), but it looks much worse than it is. The Mather 
cornice is a bit dicey. 

I'd say take an ice ax and ignore all the rumblings, which are often 
motivated by fear and lack of experience. Also, remember that everyone is 
different -- what freaks each of us out is different, what we find tough is 
different.

As far as I'm concerned, the High Sierra in June is a "must repeat" trip. And 
my snow and mountaineering skills are adequate, but not terrific. Take an ice 
ax (no matter what ANYONE supposedly more knowledgeable than you says!). I 
would take instep crampons. They make things unbelievably easier. Take enough 
food to wait out a June storm -- they pass soon enough.  And enjoy some of 
the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Re: Snow-water content: It's because old compressed spring snow has been 
melting and freezing and melting and freezing and consolidating for a while. 
That's why the ratios are different. 

Karen Berger
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