Snow problems in late May?

imported
#1

Hi Everyone,

I’m planning to thru-hike the CT this summer between my college graduation and the start of my new job. However, to do this I’m going to have to begin the trail a little ahead of the recommended start date: around May 20th. Will this present a safety hazard? I’m not afraid of dealing with some snow, but just want to insure it isn’t overly dangerous to begin the trail this time of year. I’m from the midwest, so not especially familiar with rocky mountain weather conditions. Should I be concerned?

Thanks!

Aaron

#2

Aaron and all, you might find help on my separate post:

“Snow Info on the CT”

On Track

#3

May is generally not a good time to attempt the CT especially if you’re not familiar with the issues, which are postholing in deep soft snow, high creek crossings, mud, and navigation on trail covered by snow, to name a few. It’s not especially dangerous unless you try to cross a weak snow bridge over fast water, but it will slow you down tremendously, to the point where it’ll be better to wait. Snowshoes may even be needed in a few places to make any forward progress, especially in afternoon sun when the snowpack warms up.

Garlic

#4

Aaron, I day-hiked the first five segments of the trail Saturdays last year from May 2 - May 30. There was no significant snow from Waterton Canyon to Kenosha Pass. Waited until June 19 to start backpacking Segment 6, and still post-holed through about 2 miles of snow on the west side of Georgia Pass in Segment 6.

Bernard

#5

Has anyone been on segments 3-5 in Spring 2010? I am thinking of doing 2 or 3 days starting May 14th and heading west to east from Kenosha Pass. A little worried about snow.

Hank