Rafferty Creek TH. Elevation gain ~1300′ Camp at ~10,100′. Trail Conditions: 95% snow coverage above 9400′ (or about the last 3.5 miles of the trail)
Here’s the weather forecast:
Saturday: Scattered snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. West southwest wind between 7 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West southwest wind between 11 and 14 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.
Here’s my gear list
I’m thinking of tossing in my MB thermawrap vest at 5.5 oz for extra warmth.
I camped in essentially the same conditions last weekend on Mt Shasta, (at 8000′) minus the 40% chance of snow. I think at this time of year, I don’t need snowshoes so long as I start early before it gets mushy. It’s possible I’ll hit the part of the trail where the snow cover starts in earnest and call it off. My compass skills are decent but basic, so if it looks unnavigable, I’ll back out.
