[pct-l] Crampons and Glacier Peak " Washout"

[montedodge at msn.com (Monte Dodge)]

 Crampons? If you hit Sierras early June or late May with Normal Snow year, I would opt. to carry them and they would be like Gold!  ( Nothing like them on early packed, frozen morning snow which is much better than breaking through every other step on the thawed stuff)New model Cassin or Stubi Ultralights work well climbing Adams and Shasta with New Balance 800 series running shoes. They are light aluminum and hold up well even to a 250lber!! Take them if Sierras are having a high snow year and you leave KM June 15th. ( Yes, this may be a different drum than the PCT masses, the last few years have been kind to the thru-hiker in the Sierras and many haven't seen the Sierras with snow) I can't say about other traction devices though which may work as well.
  Glacier Peak Blowout??? Liz Burton should be on hand with some ideas. I see this only a problem for the early Southbound hikers. BY Fall, something will be figured out and river should be low. I am sure a 
" Flagged Ribbon" Crosscountry route will be in place. Buy the time you hike 2,500 miles to get there, a little mud ,roots, etc. won't stop you. They may need to route trail a bit higher or lower. ( Shouldn't be a problem for the Southbounder)