I have looking at the weather reports on a daily basis. The winter has provided an above yearly average snow fall. Based on all indications, some of the passes will snow on them throughout the summer. What planning should I be looking at for a late August trip?
I have included the weather link: http://www.thru-hiker.com/JMTWeatherReport.asp
TRI Hiker
How nice of you to ask!
As it happens, I OBSESSIVELY track snow levels near Forester Pass at the southern end of the JMT. I have a whole web page on the topic.
It looks like complete meltoff at 11400’, which is a little below the pass, will be 1-5 weeks late, and 3-4 weeks seems most likely.
Still, I think a late-August trip should be pretty much snow-free. The caveat is that I’ve only been through there once; mostly I’m just a sensor weenie. 
Eric
I live in Ridgecrest, with an unobstructed view of the SE side of Olancha Peak, and the southwest side of Telescope Peak (between Panamint and Death Valleys). There’s still mid-winter amounts of snow on both - so the out of sight higher elevations must be really covered. I am going to post an announcement the day all visible snow disappears fronm each. Not a scientific measure, but will give you some idea of what Forrester (13,200) might be like.
I have my reservation for a 15-day Sierra adventure over Shepherd Pass 14 July. Last year most of the snow over Shepherd was gone by the 4th of July; all of it gone by mid-July.
booger
late August? you’ll be fine. even if by some crazy, long-shot chance there’s still snow on the passes then (and there won’t be), worry about it in early August, not right now. lots of peole will go through before you, and you’ll be able to find out more or less exactly what the conditions are like before you go. but i seriously doubt the passes will stay icy/snowy all summer.
tarbubble