[pct-l] ice ax

[JohnDRandall@xxxxxxx (JohnDRandall@xxxxxxx)]

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As you've heard, the snowpack in the Sierras is significantly less than
normal this year.   Unless you're in the first group crossing Forester, Glen
or Mather passes in late May or early June, you won't need an ice ax to chop
away steps.  Until the third week in June an ice ax would be mentally useful
for possible self-arrest in crossing the col on the south side of Forester,
and descending the south sides of Glen and Mather--but, there should already
be a well-defined path across the snowfields.   Pinchot, Muir and Seldon
passes are walk-ups and present no problems other than postholing.   The only
spot that could linger into late June is an early morning descent of the
north side of Mather.   There's a 70-foot stretch of trail that is snow
covered and could be icy.   If you're starting your trip in late June or
early July, you'll have no problems.

john randall