Trail Runner reassurance – JMT

Trailrunners are pretty inadequate for kicking steps in hard snow. Sometimes, it would be better to attempt passage across or up a higher angled snowfield in the afternoon, when the snow will be softer. Some of those NE facing patches can be pretty bulletproof, though. I don’t know if you are following the JMT, in part, or doing some off-trail. There could be some real gnarly conditions if you were to take some of the off-trail routes over the Ritter Range, at the moment. Donohue Pass shouldn’t be problematic.

When not carrying an ax, I improvise, using things like appropriately sized and shaped rocks and even tent stakes to cut steps. (One needs to be limber and have good balance!) I wouldn’t be casual about this option, though. I have a lot of experience in negotiating ice and snow and consequently sometimes take risks that others might find unacceptable. If you have any doubts about either your abilities or conditions along the trail, please take an ax (with the proviso that you know how to use one).

The only snow that you should encounter to any degree will be Donahue Pass and Island Pass. Many people have crossed both of those passes already this year so there should be worn paths made in the snow. Also there should be dirt patches too. Both of those passes are more or less humps to cross over, they’re nothing like Forrester, Glen, etc where one slip could be deadly. Donahue and Island or very straightforward. I would be more concerned getting my feet wet than slipping. Carry trekking poles and you will be ok. IF you are plannig to spend the night at 1000 Island lake and proceeding south the next day, I would look at crossing over to Garnett Lake (I think that it is Garnett Pass?) and hiking to Mammoth. Are you hiking to Agnews Meadow? If so, I would NOT hike down the trail that takes you from Garnett Lake’s outlet to The River Trail or The Hight Trail, the river should be moving very fast and deep. Go the route through Shadow Lake where there is a bridge to cross. Hope this helps.

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