French basin ice-out bet.

[rlown]

Booked my reservation for June 29th out of North Lake, for 10 days for 3 people. I'm betting on Ice-out, but we'll see.

[paul]

Which lakes?

[rlown]

I'd like all of them to be thawed. A wind event would be a nice help.

[Jimr]

I'd bet that if you chose your dates based on an average snow year ice out, you'll probably be fine.

[paul]

I'd put my money on "mostly". I expect some of those lakes that are higher and up against the ridge will still have some ice just because they don't get as much sun. You're coming in from North Lake - are you going over the ridge or down to Hutchinson and around the corner?

[rlown]

Carol Col (Puppet Pass.)

I'll know the moment I look over the Col. Then if frozen, it becomes focus on humphreys basin.

[Pichungo]

Thinking of doing a trip out of Pine Creek pass around same time. Based on your conversation do you anticipate this pass will be difficult to cross around the first week in July? Also thinking of doing Humphreys basin and going over Col to Mesa and TH lakes. Have never done the Col and wondering is Pine Creek a good approach to Humphrey’s.

[rlown]

I prefer North Lake, just because it puts one higher on the approach.
Note: I have no clue what the weather will do, but I put in the permit in case.

[paul]

I agree if you want to go to Humhpreys and French Canyon, Piute is better. Have come in both ways and it's not only an easier approach but I think it's prettier as well. And Piute Pass is sure to be easy in early July - may be some snow but nothing to cause trouble.

[giantbrookie]

I prefer North Lake, just because it puts one higher on the approach.
Note: I have no clue what the weather will do, but I put in the permit in case.

I agree that North Lake is a much more efficient approach with less distance and elevation gain to get to the desired places. Until the Apr. 1 snowpack results I wouldn't bet a Pliny one way or another on the thawing of the key French Canyon lakes as of June 29. But it's never a bad idea to nail down a reservation well in advance, just in case it does look like a go for then.