High Sierra Topix

Im wondering if the snow has consolidated enough in the Mammoth area that snowshoes will not be required. It looks like the temps have been pretty warm lately.

I was up below Mono Pass (south) a few days ago. Knee deep in places below Ruby Lake. Same in the Sabrina Basin two days ago. It's a mixed bag, but mostly not very supportive. I wouldn't plan on going far without flotation of some sort....

Ditto for Tahoe, my first winter here coming from the north cascades and it seems strange that the snow is still so loose as its been on the ground for a while

John Dittli wrote:I was up below Mono Pass (south) a few days ago. Knee deep in places below Ruby Lake. Same in the Sabrina Basin two days ago. It's a mixed bag, but mostly not very supportive. I wouldn't plan on going far without flotation of some sort....

Hi John, just curious how far up the road was open when you went. Thanks!
g4b

granite4brains wrote:Hi John, just curious how far up the road was open when you went. Thanks!
g4b

You could/can? drive to the Pack Station.

After consulting with our resident snow expert I thought I should share the following observation. As long as the snow depth is extremely low, say less than 5 feet, do not expect the snow to consolidate. For an explanation just google temperature gradient snow.

Mike

John Dittli wrote:

granite4brains wrote:Hi John, just curious how far up the road was open when you went. Thanks!
g4b

You could/can? drive to the Pack Station.

Thanks!