Wind River current conditions

I must not be interpreting the NOAA data correctly. It appears there is essentially no snow west of the divide (SWE or snow depth overlays). The overlay I prefer (snow depth departure from normal) hasn’t been updated since April 30 for some reason. At that time, it showed the same area way below normal while east of the divide (northern third) and the upper Green River valley (and parts NW of it) were way above. What am I missing or is this site just plain wrong?

Is there something in the SNOTEL site I should be looking at instead to give me a more accurate idea of current conditions?

I plan to be there in 2 weeks with my young son and this may affect route choice as we have no snow travel gear. My preference is to make a loop from Green River to Baker and Bear Lakes. My other option was loop from Elkhart to Wall and Elbow Lakes roughly.

Michael,
I do not know about the NOAA data but I see lots of snow on the West side, more in the North but the mountain sides in the South show some large fields. It is warm and melting rapidly and in two weeks it will be very different. I hiked in from Elkheart trailhead and hit snow patches within two miles. Someone who had come from Indian Basin three days ago reported that as heavily snowed and low/no bug. I also hiked in from Big Sandy 10 miles. No snow down low in the woods but the passes reportedly did. I think in general expect a bit more snow and water than average and slightly delayed bug and flower season. Calling the Great Outdoor Shop in Pinedale is likely your best bet for timely local info.
Last summer I did Roaring Fork-Bear Lake-Baker Lake-Tourist Creek starting July 15. That is a remote and rugged route with lots of rocks and some navigational challenge, but you already know that. I crossed modest snow but no trouble. I was planning on heading there again tomorrow, but have revised my plans due to snow levels. I've pushed that segment back at least ten days. Maybe I'll see you up there. I am going to the area between the three Indian passes first instead and I will have an axe and spikes, but hope to camp on bare ground. Again, in two weeks it will be very different. When you get to town here you can get fresh reports and make an informed choice.
Have Fun and Good Luck

Thanks for the info. I may hold off a couple days to give some more melt time.

Did you write a report on your trip last year? I have Pallister's book but haven't found too many current reports on what to expect. Not sure how much my son can handle though I have no problem going slower. He's pretty small (turns 8 just after we finish) but can do 10-12 miles in eastern mountains when needed. We've been training on high school bleachers. I like rock-hopping across boulder fields but would guess that would be too much for him. If that route doesn't have much grass up high to give him some breaks I may just stick with the Elkhart option.

That route is heavy duty travel. I would think more that twice about who I took up there.
Sorry, no trip report. I was pretty discouraged when I learned that Mr. Jordan takes all rights to any image I post here. So until I get my own site…. I sent you a PM.

I just got back from a trip in the winds for TrailGroove Magazine.

Water is definitely higher this year than the prior two years I've been there, and there is still snowfeilds above 11k feet, and in some places lower, but its melting out fast. Mosquitoes are out too, but no worse than any other year i've experianced.

My route is here. Feel free to ask any questions about conditions
day 1 – http://www.movescount.com/moves/move35316274
day 2 – http://www.movescount.com/moves/move35316278
day 3 – http://www.movescount.com/moves/move35316284

I just got back from a trip in the Green River area of The Winds. Went up to Slide Lake – no snow there, nor on the Highline trail up to Trail Creek as of July 4th. I spoke to a couple that reported post holing over the passes to Summit Lake on July 3rd.

All of the rivers/creeks were running quite high. Segments of the trail were flooded, but totally passible. The crossing at Trail Creek was very hairy – deadly at the trail, but *possible* a few hundred yards up.

Mosquitos were quite thick along the Green River Valley, especially from Beaver Park & lower.

Also, lots of bear scat in Three Forks Park.