[pct-l] Swowpack water content

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

<<<
Does a high water content in the snowpack mean anything to a
thru-hiker? 
>>>

The high water content of the snow means that it is denser than a "light" 
snow pack.  This, of course, means higher runoff in streams and rivers that you 
may have to cross.  It also means that it may take a bit more heat to melt off, 
if I recall the physics of such things correctly.  What really matters to  
the thru-hiker is how deep any kind of snow is when they enter the southern 
Sierra.  The southern Sierra, Kern River drainage, is a little bit below average 
currently, in contrast to points further north.  This may be a good thing for 
thru-hikers IF the current trend continues, it could mean a slightly early 
entry opportunity.

IMHO,

Greg