[pct-l] Southern Sierra Snow

[reynolds@ilan.com]

Snowfall in the Southern Sierra has been well below normal in 1999. HOWEVER, the
snow has not melted very quickly and late storms have actually added to the
snowpack. Unfortunately, the snow sensor at Upper Tyndall Creek [just south of
Forrester Pass at 11,200 feet] is off line. However, checking other key sensors
equals the following prediction:

1-Charlotte Lake [north of Forrester pass, south of Glenn Pass]
On a LOW year snow is melted between May 6-10. On a MEDIUM year snow is melted
between JUNE 25 and July 2. It will take several very hot days for the snow to
be melted before May 10. June 1 is more likely.

2-Bishop Pass [south of Muir Pass]
On a LOW year the sensor shows no snow by 1 June and about 15 inches of snow now
[5/1]. A medium year shows no snow by 20 June and 25 inches of snow now [5/1].
There is currently about 20 inches of snow on the sensor.

3-Tolumne Meadows
Sensor show about 18 inches of snow consistant with a May 15 zero reading and
the Meadow open by Memorial Day


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