Snow Levels? - John Muir Trail

imported
#1

Has this been a high snow season in the Sierras? I’m planning to start the JMT in July and am wondering what to anticipate snow-wise.

Tumblina

#2

How early/late in July are you planning to go? This season started out as a low snow year, but it is quickly shaping up to be a high snow year, depending on what happens in the next month or so. Last I heard, the snow levels were above average, and more storms are on the way, so I would definitely keep monitoring it. Here is a helpful site that follows snow levels along the entire PCT: http://delnorteresort.com/cgi-bin/postHoler There is also a lot of discussion about the snow level in the Sierra in the Pacific Crest Trail Association e-mail forum: http://www.pcta.org/general/forum.asp

Kanga

#3

Last year - even with the rcord snowpack - the JMT was easily passable by mid-July. Forrester was clear by the end of July.

booger

#4

Kanga is correct. According to the Associated Press article in the San Diego Union (March 19,2006), Donner Summit (near Tahoe) has seen 390 inches of snow so far this year compared to 313 inches this time last year (another healthy snow year in the Sierra’s). Currently Donner has 120 inches of snow on the ground, compared to 71 inches this time last year. Most reservoirs are so full, officials are releasing water to make room for the snowmelt. Having said that, by July (especially late July) there should be a good path through the snow at the passes from all the section and thru hikers. I’ll be doing a JMT section in early Sept., just to avoid the crowds. Enjoy!

Sherpa Steve

#5

As an update
Im at a little above 4000’ on Hiway 88 (below Carson Pass). It has been snowing heavily most of the day. Although Im somewhat north of the JMT this weather seems to be consistant all the way south to about Merced. It is also forcast to last through the night, only adding to the pile outside ( about 4’ at this elev, almost 300" at the summit. And more is possible for the end of the week. So Id say Yes its a high snow year. BUT nothing a warm spring wont cure. I trully share your pain as I am in the middle of building a house in this mess.http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/kduranaz/my_photos
My guess would be that mid July will be safe.
good luck

Sierra88