Tired old question: In a “low snow year,” what’s the typical trail conditions in early-mid June? I know the PCTers hack through the snow in May often, but for JMTers without ice axes, and on a 15-20 day schedule, i can’t find any info. Is that because nobody ever tries it? Too much muck? I’d be going north to south, starting the first week of June.
markv
If you’ll be in the Sierras the first week of June, bring an ice axe. We were there in a low/medium snow year (which is deceptive in itself - it was low in the Southern Sierras, normal in the central Sierras and high in the northern Sierras) in early June and had snow at all the passes. On a couple the ice axe was an absolutely necessary (i.e. the snow chute at Forester) and at others the axe made glissading a lot safer/easier.
Biggest problem you’ll have is the river crossings. When the snow is melting the water is high and fast. Even usually simple crossings will take more time to scout out.
Ginny