[pct-l] Snow and ice

[enyapjr at adelphia.net (enyapjr@adelphia.net)]

Corky's inquiry:

>Leaving the Oregon-California border headed south to Whitney the last 
>week in June.  Typically would a solo hiker be prudent to carry a 
>light line, ice axe and in-step crampons?
>The weight, 4 pounds, is negligible if any of the material is needed, 
>or even nice. However, if it's just dead weight, it's a lot.
>
>I realize things change year to year, and I'm looking for the "safe 
>rather than sorry" mode.  Any ideas would be appreciated.  And, of 
>course, I'll check to see what next year is like.

Personally, I don't think any of the three would be needed the last week of June - 
even in most heavier snow years...  I've been in the Marbles and Trinity Alps late
May and early June (albeit many years ago!) - you may have extensive snow cover 
in late June in heavy snow years, but few places on the PCT in NorCal would have
the exposure to warrant needing them...  If you are solo, then there really is no need
for any rope or "line"...  Not many extreme slopes, so the crampons are not really 
needed...  If an ice axe would make you feel better or safer, then carry one (a 
lightweight one!)...  So, instead of 4 pounds, you are down to less than a pound for 
an ice axe by itself...

Hopefully 'Deems' will respond to your post...  he is a very knowledgeable "local" 
and has hiked sections of the PCT in NorCal very early in the season...  I would 
trust what he says...

Good luck.  Happy trails!!!