This is an intentionally misplaced John Muir Trail question. I know the PCTers might have a lot more info on this, so here goes…
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?
markv
Too soon to know if this year will be a low snow year, but if you want to know what a low snow year is like in June, check out journals from 2001, which I think was a relatively low snow year. I know Yogi and a few others posted 2001 PCT journal here, and I think there are more on www.pcta.org. I would count on snowy passes (although you could luck out), some high creek crossings, muddy sections of trail and mosquitos, but there will be fewer people than later in the season and it should be beautiful! Enjoy!
Kanga
Visit www.delnorteresort.com. The site gives current snow levels and earliest “safe” entry into the Sierras based on the snow pack.
Tom
on a normal year there will be no problem going through the sierras in early june. yes there will be snow. no you wont NEED an ice axe or crampons, BUT they might prove usefull if you are not experienced in snow hiking. if you go in early june dont expect to do more than 15 miles a day comfortably unless you are in really good shape especially if you are only doing the jmt. the pct hikers have an advantage because they have alreay been hiking for a month and a half or so and they are already in shape and used to 20-25 mile days.
dont worry about it to much. and dont listen to alot of the hubub that alot of people tell you because most of them are exagerating about the difficulty and danger level. that was the case on the pct this last year, everybody was saying "dont go over fuller ridge, its way to dangerous and to much snow" so most people road walked around. i went over fuller ridge in the early season with high snow and it was fine. there was no real danger to be worried about. it was the same thing with mt. baden powell, alot of people didnt go up and over the mountain because others said it was to dangerous, but again these claims were highly exagerated. it really wasnt that bad.
have a great hike and just be careful out there, remember this : only you know your own limits, and be sure to remind yourself of your limits so you dont get in trouble out there.
TYVEK
TYVEK