Water conditions on the JMT this year

1L water carry should be plenty on the JMT unless you hike really slow. lots of people do it with 20 oz max. Most streams/water sources will be running regardless of drought.

There is a whole lot of the JMT, over 200 miles, and the availability of water will vary a bit depending on your hike date. There is VERY little snow even at the higher elevations (snow level is now up to about 9,500 feet in Yosemite) and there isn't going to be much more on the way.

If you hike in the next six weeks, you should be fine. If you're looking at late August or early September, I'd study the whole route. Lakes should still have water, but streams might well dry up. Take along an extra folding bottle (we use one from platypus that weights 2 oz and folds up smaller than our tiny stove) and you will always have what you need…just in case.

On a plus side, Bishop had it's rainiest ever month of May.
That rain was snow in the higher elevations.

This site covers the dry portions fairly well:

http://jmtbook.com/for-hikers-of-the-john-muir-trail-less-snow-has-advantages-disadvantages-part-2-of-2/

What I would do is try to avoid camping in these areas as water may not be available depending on when you hike. Prior to starting these sections, just plan accordingly and carry just enough water to get you through these dry portions.

Also, be aware of how many thunderstorms are occurring in the Sierra's as this can help with water flows. Finally, while hiking, speak to other hikers heading in the opposite direction to get an idea where and how frequent the water sources will be ahead of you.

There is no way to say.
Whats dry one week, can gush the next after a little rain.
A dry winter, does not mean a dry summer. Last year seemed it rained more days than not the second half of july.

What makes you think anyone here would know????
We're in an unprecedented drought.
No one on BPL or anywhere has experienced these conditions in California before.

just sayin'

billy

Thanks for the info guys. I am starting in mid August and will be done probably Sept. 1st-ish.

And I dunno, Billy. I think the people here had some good information. "There's no way to tell. Plan accordingly." is still an answer to my question.