Re: [pct-l] southbound snow in WA

["The Weathercarrot" <weathercarrot@hotmail.com>]

Hi Mike, you wrote:
-------------------
the passes in WA are the inverse of sierra passes, right?  ie they are 
the low point along the trail instead of the high points.  therefore, 
even if the passes show no snow, there would be more up on the trail 
away from the passes.

can someone with experience on the trail at this time of year confirm 
this for me?  when can we send the axes home?
-----------------

I haven't done Washington southbound at that time of year (there are 
lots on this list who have), but here are some thoughts. Going by what 
experienced people have talked about, it seems that if you're leaving 
Manning on 7-1, an axe would be good to have atleast to Snoqualmie Pass, 
but that still leaves some spots around Chinook Pass and Goat Rocks 
where it might be needed. If it's any kind of late melt year, take the 
axe to Cascade Locks, then you'll be set from there.

>what can we expect for precipitation in july along the WA trail?

July and August are the height of "dry" season in the Washington 
Cascades. However, it can vary greatly from month to month or year to 
year. Thunderstorms are less common the more north you go, and more 
common southward into Oregon and Northern CA. They also are more typical 
on the dry, eastern slopes because of greater day-time heat build up on 
that side (less stable air). When it comes to those dreary all-day 
rains, the reverse is true - more likely as you head to the north, and 
more commonly on the west slopes. But more often than not, you have 
atleast several days (if not weeks) at a time of ideal weather. On one 
extreme, this past summer, the Washington section had great weather on 
about 85 out of 90 days. Hope that answers your question.

wc 

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
* From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List |  http://www.backcountry.net   *

==============================================================================