[pct-l] News re Snow Conditions in Sections C & D

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

George from Scotland arrived at Hiker Heaven yesterday; he started at Campo on April 4.  He reported the following (this would be info before this storm system, which was to drop up to 7" in the local mountains):

There is an icewall up to Idyllwild, but he was able to make it up using ice axe and crampons.  Too much snow to continue from there, so he skipped to the San Bernardinos.

Parts of the San Berdos were possible with ice axe and crampons up to about 7,500'.  Above that he said the ice fields and chutes were far too hazardous, even with ice axe.  He skipped up to Big Bear.

He was able to do everything from Big Bear through to Agua Dulce, although he followed Highway 2 rather than the PCT up to (what he thinks was) Cloudburst Summit -- where he picked up the trail again where it begins to descend somewhat.
 
He reports that Highway 2 is a mess.  Massive chunks are gone, and colossal rock slides have fallen across it.  He reported drifts up to 21' deep (yes, that's 21 FEET, not inches).  He said it was tricky and treacherous, and most of the time you weren't sure there was really a road beneath the snow.  He said the amount of damage up there is mind boggling.  Hwy 2 will not be opening in July.  Hope nobody needs hitches up there this year. 

He said that a hiker named "Patrick" and another guy were pushing through on trail (hopefully making a way for the nobos) but Patrick and friend were prepared with mountaineering gear.  

L-Rod