High Sierra Topix

Anyone know what conditions are like at lower Young Lakes right now? I'm going there, via Dog Lake, Aug 9 & 10. I'm interested in hearing about any snow en route or there, and also how are the mozzies? Thanks so much, Bargy

I hope to be up there in a couple of days and will report back if I can manage to get a permit.

Haven't been up there this year, but I doubt there's snow at the lower two lakes - they get a lot of sun in the afternoons. The ridge behind the lakes will probably be really snowy, though, and I've never stayed at the highest lake so I"m not sure what kind of exposure it gets.

I love that area, and go pretty much every year. Don't forget to turn around and look behind you once you break treeline on your way up from Dog Lake...

Thanks for the info. I guess the mozzies are going to be the real question.....

I was there last week. Use Deet! I wore pants and long sleeved shirt, but did not put anything on my tank top so they bit thru the shirt (20 bites on my belly) My friend used a head net, I didn't have one.

We didn't make it to the lakes, but here's a photo of Young Lakes from Ragged Peak:
http://snownymph.smugmug.com/Sierra-Nev ... 92_SvDDNXW" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just got back from Young Lakes yesterday. I would recommend loose fitting clothing and a head net. One of the skeeters manage to plunge its proboscis through two sock layers to find flesh. The scenery up there was some of the most spectacular I've seen though. If you can manage it, I would go all the way to the upper lake. There is a glacier spilling into the far end that is visually impressive.

upper lake
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q ... directlink" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

lower lakes from upper lake
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L ... directlink" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

upper lake in morning
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X ... directlink" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;