Bay Area First Of The Season Sierra Hike

Hey Ken, More than 1 night? Mileage? How have you been anyway?

More than one night would be cool too! Just putting out a feeler….I have been VERY busy and maybe more after June….I have some cool work stuff happening that will have me the ability to afford gear again!!!!! Thanks for asking. Looks like you guys had a great Lost Coast trip!!!!!!!! 2 nights, 3 days????

You guys are thinking ahead. I'm still trying to pull off a snowcamping trip. There is a lot of snow up there, even low at 7000-7500 feet where snowplows have 8-9 feet to go through. For the high passes, I don't even want to think about it.
–B.G.–

I agree Bob! I am wishfully thinking that there is a mix of snow and dirt by then….hence the "let's do something late in June" thing. Funny that you and I keep telling folks that early season stuff is not going to happen this year because of the snowfall. If ever you'd like to join a trip, you are more than welcome to!

Mosquito Pass, Emigrant Wilderness-June 13Th 2009–Unless we get a heat wave in May or June–Backpacking in Sierras probably will not happen until late June early July…I hope I am wrong.

Sounds like a lovely year for XC ski backpacks :) They can be really nice that time of year (once the roads get plowed through the passes).

–MV

I'm going ski/snowcamping next weekend. So much for the early season stuff. Over all of California, they are describing the snowpack as 143% of normal.

I figure that normal Sierran backpacking can occur in June, but it won't be at 9,000 feet. Instead, it may be at 6,000 or 7,000. Stream crossings are going to be cold and deep, even in July. It may not be before mid-August when the high trails are normal. I hope nobody planned any early-season JMT trips.

–B.G.–

Hi Jay

> Mosquito Pass, Emigrant Wilderness-June 13Th 2009
(wistfully) A bit more snow would be nice … for the boards!

cheers

If the temperature ranges from around freezing at night to 50+ with a lot of sun in the daytime, what does that do to the snowshoeing conditions?

Icy in the morning, then progressively more slushy and wet as the day goes on, obviously, but how is the walking?

Is it hard to stay dry?

David, I can't speak much as a snowshoer, but as a cross country skier. On a normal year, the April time frame gives us what we call "corn snow season." There is a lot of melt-freeze transition going on, and that develops corn snow that is good for ski touring. This year in California, that season is late by a month. Once it gets too hot, the snow will shift into what we call "soft ice cream snow." You will be tempted to kick off the snowshoes and skis and walk, but you will be postholing a lot. Believe me, when you have to walk a few miles and you are sinking in crotch-deep with every step, you will find a better way. One problem with soft ice cream snow is that you don't want to try to build snow caves and igloos with it. Staying dry is purely a matter of wearing the right layers.
–B.G.–

Thinking of 6000 feet or so. I think by late June we should have alot less snow.

I know a backpacker who signed on to work the summer at Vermillion Valley Resort, near Lake Edison. I have the feeling that their summer won't start anytime soon. VVR is around 7600 feet. They may spend their first month just shoveling out.

–B.G.–

I know I will be back out to CA in late May and a couple of times in June. A good option may be hike out of Hetch Hetchy into Jack Main Canyon. By June I would expect that the snow would clear out at least up over Moraine Ridge. And if a little snow is encountered then so be it. Count me in if I can tack it onto "work"

Jack Main is really cool, but man, the water out in that area can be difficult in early season…Keep checking for updates…kinda want to avoid Yosemite because of quotas

im interrested
just need to know the dates so i can prepare for the 600 mile journey lol since i would be traveling so far i would probably prefer two nights but one would work out too as long as i drove most of the way on friday and
headed out saturday morning
we will see as the trip plans get sorted out
kevin

Hey I'd love to go. My summer starts early June but I have to pick up a job and finish my Eagle Scout. But the sooner I get dates (just about anything works right now) the more likely I can join!

On a super quick side note, when do you folks suppose most of the snow will be clear between tuolumne and reds via the jmt this summer? Im looking to take my friends on that section.

Really enjoyed the last trip @ Henry Coe, too. Looking forward to this trip.