I just returned from a weeklong trip in Northern WA, Here’s a snow update for SOBO hikers.
Generally speaking, from Snoqualmie Pass to the Canadian Border, the (solid) snow line is currently around 3500.’ From Snoqualmie Pass northward, here are my observations:
Snoqualmie Pass: around 2-3 feet deep @ the pass. I didn’t attempt to find the PCT, b/c the snow plowing had created massive snow banks (up to 20’ high!)
Stevens Pass: 3-4 feet (i walked north on the buried trail for a short distance)
Rainy Pass: Buried under about 8-10 feet, according to the backcountry skiers i talked to last week. I was unable to get to the pass b/c HWY #20 is still closed.
The valleys below 2500’ to the east and west of the PCT are clear of snow, and in full Spring bloom, but it has continued to be fairly cold with snow showers up at elevation.
There are other challenges that a SOBO hiker might encounter besides the snow. This winter, there were a number of severe windstorms that knocked a ton of trees down. When i was hiking in the Pasayten Wilderness (about 15 miles East of the PCT near Lost River, and Robinson Creek) I encountered lots of blowdowns.
Besided the Agnes Creek Bridge that was destroyed near Stehekin, there are probably a few other key bridges out do to blowdowns and floods from last Fall and this Winter.
If you start before July, you might have quite a bit of snow to traverse, unless there is a massive melt-off in the next two months. (keep an eye on the PCT Postholer site) Route finding below treeline in snow is always challenging.
Have a great hike an happy trails!
freebird
