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[pct-l] trail conditions??



Dustin,

>From June 2 to 9 I hiked Section M, which only gets up to 7,500 feet and 
there was generally snow above 6,500', (more on north facing slopes or under 
Forrest cover and less on bare or south facing slopes).  Generally the snow was 
firm (so I didn't sink in) but soft enough on top so I could make steps by just 
stamping my feet into it.  But for one two mile stretch, on a steep north 
facing slope at about 6,500 feet (near Mt Etna and Stafford Mountain), the snow was 
hard and somewhat icy, and I used crampons and was glad to have them. 

About a third of the Section M trail was under snow and I had to walk cross 
country using the map.  Off the trail I scrambled through a lot of brush, and 
clambered over a lot of rocks and steep terrain. When the visibility was good I 
could check landmarks, but in Forrest cover or heavy weather I had to "feel" 
my way by constantly checking the map and a compass.  So it was doubly slow. 

The sections you are considering are much higher than this, so you will 
presumably loose the trail more than I did.  Much of what you do will be above 
timberline, so you will have better visibility, but you will also have more snow, 
and it will probably be icier than what I encountered.  

I probably wouldn't attempt those sections without crampons, at least instep 
crampons.  I used aluminum Stubai crampons ($90) and was glad to have them.  
They weigh one pound (8 oz each) and gave me a lot of peace of mind, as well as 
allowing me to move much faster and more securely over steep, icy snow.  I 
see Camp makes an even lighter set, and instep crampons are even lighter than 
those.  

I also bought some very light weight Gossamer Gear trekking poles for this 
section (about 1/4 pound each) and they were a huge help with all the snow and 
funky terrain I had to cross.  I only used the crampons for about 2 miles, but 
I used the poles regularly.  But I would still take both.  

Good luck.  Let me know how it goes.

Best, 

Lee Marsden