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TR: Wolverton to Alta Meadow and Beyond (May 28-29, 2016)

Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 4:18 pm
by Flamingo
Hi All,
I enjoyed a short overnight trip from Wolverton trailhead to Alta Meadow, Saturday May 28th, 2016 to Sunday May 29th. I posted photos below.

Snow Conditions Update: There is still a lot of snow! On some south-facing slopes (e.g. SE face of Alta Peak), the snow has melted away up to 11,000'. On north-facing slopes, the snow is several feet deep at 9,000' and above. This feels like a "normal" year in the Sierra.

Mosquitos: None

Crowds: We saw several dozen groups day-hiking to Alta Peak. We also saw approximately six parties backpacking and camping at Mehrten Meadow. We saw no one past the trail junction to Alta Peak. We camped at Alta Meadow, and it felt like the entire wilderness was ours alone. I suspect the current snow levels were a major deterrent to backpackers traveling any further beyond Mehrten Meadow. Before we started hiking, I visited the Lodgepole Visitor Center to pickup our wilderness permit. There was a long line at the rangers' desk, and the quotas were full for all major trailheads (Alta, High Sierra, Lakes, and Twin Lakes). It seemed like most of the parties getting permits were totally unprepared for snow. I saw several shocked faces when the ranger repeatedly said that Pear Lake was buried under three feet.

Weather: A freezing rainstorm with thunder erupted Saturday afternoon. We quickly setup our tents and enjoyed the storm while remaining warm and safe.
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Re: TR: Wolverton to Alta Meadow and Beyond (May 28-29, 2016

Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 4:38 pm
by pelican
Thanks for posting the report of our trip!

Re: TR: Wolverton to Alta Meadow and Beyond (May 28-29, 2016

Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 4:50 pm
by rlown
A very nice report! Nice to see some of the recent TR's roll in so soon. Kudos.

Re: TR: Wolverton to Alta Meadow and Beyond (May 28-29, 2016

Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 10:34 pm
by DAVELA
beautiful scenery..how were the temps?

Re: TR: Wolverton to Alta Meadow and Beyond (May 28-29, 2016

Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 10:14 am
by Flamingo
@DAVELA -- It was near freezing at night (at 9,500'), but surprisingly warm during the day. I don't often build campfires, but it was sufficiently cold that I'm glad we built one on this trip.