High Sierra Topix

"In terms of trails status, the 9 trailheads in Reds Meadow valley all have debris. The PCT has been deemed “impassable,” with lots of climbing required. One hiker who emerged from the trail not long after the event said it took his group about 25 minutes to go a half-mile in some parts. Officials are working with the PCT Association on alternate routes. The official kickoff of the PCT hiking season is April 30, but most hikers don’t arrive until late June."

Read the entire article -
http://thesheetnews.com/archives/12565" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Holy Smokes. 10,000 trees down?

Mammoth info center says work won't even begin for two weeks, and "maybe" some areas open by June. The fellow there said, "don't bet on Agnew Meadows, though". :retard:

sounds like a good way to avoid crowds

There is an update on the INF site, with maps showing sections of trails in the area that are blocked by fallen trees - looks like a lot! There's also a video of areas around Red's Meadow and Devil's postpile. It's incredible to see huge trees snapped in half and others pushed over with their roots in the air... Makes you wonder what sort of wind could do that - and imagine being out in it!!

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/aler ... rdb5354687" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There's an extensive update now online dated May 9 about how the work is progressing. Looks like its going to be difficult for any early season JMT hikers:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 367033.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is a very important link. Agnew Meadows campground closed for the year. It sounds like cutting through all the jackstraw on these trails will take more than one season. An event like this can more or less permanently erase any un-maintained trails off the main stems.

Has anyone known an event like this in the Sierra before? What it does to the area? In the short/medium term? Are rivers/streams affected? Does it increase fire danger ? This is just off the top of my head ... And can anyone hazard a guess as to how long it might take to clear trees off the major trails ? Is there a possibility that the JMT will be unusable in August? I feel so sad!

There is a great deal of effort being put into removing these trees. Both an SCA crew and a hot shot fire crew are coming in soon to help with all those already cutting. Members of the PCTA from both North and South have canceled other projects to focus efforts there also.

The JMT will be top priority and I would be surprised if it was not cleared by August.

Just be thankful that special chainsaw permission has been given so that all the work doesn't have to be done with crosscuts!

OzSwaggie

Expect JMT to be clear. My guess is that commercial packers will be helping FS to get main trails open asap since August is the month they make money. Also since it is a low snow year there will be more time to work on the trails. Not sad though, just part of the natural history of the Sierra.

I see Rogue is on top of the issue! Hotshot crews work about 3x faster than anyone else as they are in top condition!

Mike