Snow Levels on the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail

Posted by skywalker on May 24, 2011 in Snow levels on the Pacific Crest Trail | 0 comments

We have the latest field data regarding this years snow pack as of April 1st.

Tuolumne River 171%
Merced 172%
San Joaquin 178%
Kings 172%
Kern 195%

As of April 1st this is I believe, the 5th wettest (water equivalent) pack in recorded history but still far short of the record ~250% of 1983.

The Pacific Crest Trail Class of 2011 obviously has its work cut out. I strongly recommend they consider wearing crampons. They are more user friendly than an ice axe. The downhills might be even worse than the uphills. Trust your gut. If in serious doubt, turning back is an option. As I recounted in Skywalker–Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail, a woman probably saved her and her horses’ lives on the PCT in 2009 when she turned back at Forrester’s Pass and rode in reverse for forty miles. If you saw it, you honestly would understand.