[pct-l] July snow pack between Tuolumne Meadows and Lake Tahoe

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

the locations in your subject is where you really need to worry about.  
Once you get out of the sierra, the cascades between Lassen and Ashland 
shouldn't be any problem.

Between Tuolumne and Tahoe is basically a coin toss at this point.  You 
should hve a much better idea in April or May, but even then, you won't 
know 100%. I've been on that section of trail in late August and the 
trail was still under 20ft of snow in some sections (that year was over 
200% of normal snowfall).  I've also been on that section of trail in 
early July and its been ok.  Usually in July, though, there will still 
be at least a little snow on some of the higher passes.

to give you and idea of how different it can be, here are two pics 
taken in late august of the exact same lake:
1998: http://www.dudedesign.com/photos/tyt/large/fontanillis.jpg
2001: http://www.dudedesign.com/photos/tyt2001/large/P7280012.JPG




> Is the early July snow pack a significant concern for hikers between
> Tuolumne Meadows and Ashland Oregon?  The PCT Northern California
> guidebook describes areas where snow and ice can be problems, but I
> would really appreciate hearing from people that have hiked the trail.
> I am not a big fan of hiking through the snow, but am prepared to suck
> it up and do so. Thanks for your help, Leo.
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