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[pct-l] Snow!



Here's a copy of a reply I sent directly to Sheridan.  I didn't think it had
enough general interest for the list.  On re-reading, it sounds more
discouraging than I intended.  Before '97 I'd hiked many sections of the JMT
in July, August, and September and never even considered taking an ice axe.
Many years were drought years though, and I'd only been over Forrester Pass
once (in September!), and never over Mather.   In mid-late June of '97
Mather especially looked more like a double diamond ski slope than a trail.
Some people were going over the passes without an ice axe, but I was REALLY
glad I had mine!  This year the snow is even deeper and it's melting off
more slowly, so even mid season hikers should decide what they will do if
they arrive at a trail that climbs, descends or traverses a dangerous snow
slope.   If you have an ice axe and know how to use it, you won't be forced
to choose between finding an alternate route or chancing a bad fall.  -B 

> ----------
> From: 	Robinson, Brian A
> Sent: 	Wednesday, May 20, 1998 8:33 AM
> To: 	'Pauker, Sheridan'
> Subject: 	RE: [pct-l] Snow!
> 
> Hi Sheridan,
> 
> Sounds like you've got a great trip planned.   I'd recommend you do the
> JMT from north to south.  That way you start at low elevation in Yosemite
> and climb through continually higher passes on your way to Mt. Whitney.
> Acclimatization is easier; you'll give the snow more time to melt, and
> you'll be continually amazed by the scenery.  If you go this direction,
> you may as well exit over Trail Crest Pass and Whitney Portal trail head,
> although Cottonwood Pass and Horseshoe Meadow trail head would be okay
> too. 
> 
> In a normal snow year, starting in Yosemite July 1st would be marginal,
> but okay for someone with no ice axe.  This year, forget it!  August 1st
> could be marginal.  August through September will be your best bet;
> although the later you go, the more chance you have of experiencing early
> winter storms.   Be prepared for snow storms at ANY time of year in the
> high Sierra.
> 
> Have a great trip!
> Brian
> 
> ----------
> From: 	Pauker, Sheridan
> Sent: 	Wednesday, May 20, 1998 5:44 AM
> To: 	'pct-l@saffron.hack.net'
> Subject: 	[pct-l] Snow!
> 
> Hi. I'm new to the PCT list and was hoping some of you veterans could
> give me some advice.
> 
> I am planning a trip on the Muir trail beginning July 1.  The original
> plan was to hike South to North and starting at Cottonwood pass (and
> then approaching and climbing Whitney from the West), but when I called
> the Whitney Ranger station in Lone Pine, I was advised that there would
> probably still be snow at the peak and other passes. 
> 
> My hiking partner and I do not have technical experience with crampons
> or ice axes, and my guess is that Whitney is probably not the place to
> learn!
> 
> Does anyone have advice on: snow and ice conditions on the Muir trail in
> July, whether this would be helped by traveling North to South, and/or
> the need for crampons/ice axes in this area?
> 
> Thank you!
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> 
> 
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