[pct-l] Snow - was long, now not so much

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

sjackson@stratmarkgroup.com writes:

> Based on your data and other's experiences,
> what is the typical (or range of) snow pack to be expected at the higher
> elevations in early May?

Early May is generally too early to enter the Sierras in all but the most 
extremely dry years, UNLESS you are fully prepared and comfortable with long 
distance snow travel, camping and ice climbing.

In extremely dry years there may be no snow up to 9,000 feet, patchy snow 
from 9,000 to 11,500 or so, and solid ice and snow above that.  The passes will 
likely have several (2-4?) feet of snow.  1977 was like this.  

In a wet year you will need snowshoes or crosscountry skis in early May and 
be prepared to be snowed on, camp on snow, and deal with storm conditions.

In an average year you may find something in between these two extremes and 
most certainly will require an ice axe, at least in-step crampons and possibly 
snowshoes or crosscountry skis.

IMHO,

Greg