High Sierra Topix

I took off Thursday to see the conditions in the high country of Deso. The Bayview campground is open.
The trail above Granite Lake begins to be choked in snow near the top. Once you reach the top of the ridge between her peaks the snow mostly covers the trail. It is easy to navigate by just following the ridge to 8300 feet where the snow mostly clears up.
The trail from the Eagle Lake / Bayview junction to the Velma Lakes junction is mostly clear of snow. The few patches are easy to navigate.

Once the trail turns SW toward the PCT the snow completely covers the trail.
On the ridge above Dicks Lake where you meet the PCT.
The entire Dicks Lake Basin is still covered by snow. I camped near the outlet of Dicks Lake.
The local rodents were happy to see one of the first humans of the season.
The next morning I started up Dicks north slope.
My original plan was to take the route to the right of the summit.
It was a good thing I changed to the left route.
Things looked a little sketchy to the right.

My route was from the outlet of Dicks Lake up the snow filled gulch on the West side of the lake.
Thanks for reading my post.

-Russ

Very nice and good pictures showing conditions Thanks

Thanks for the trip report, photos and detail on the route. Very informative for an upcoming trip.

Is the view in the second to last photo looking out to Jacks Peak? How was the mosquito situation?

uscscott wrote:Is the view in the second to last photo looking out to Jacks Peak? How was the mosquito situation?

No, that is looking north. No mosquitos...plenty of vermin.

Looking south...
See more details here:

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=13936&p=107865#p107865

Thanks,

-Russ

Thanks Russ, much appreciated.

Nicely done, sir.

I was looking right at you around 3pm Friday. What time did you summit? I'm guessing I missed you by a couple of hours.


From Jabu Lake outlet looking NW

FeetFirst wrote:What time did you summit? I'm guessing I missed you by a couple of hours.

The cold temps, babbling brook and missing dogs allowed me to sleep in late. I awoke to sunlight and pulled my black stocking cap over my eyes and went back to sleep. It was one of the best nights sleep I had in a while.

I love the backcountry.

I summited at about 10 AM. The snow was getting pretty sloppy. I don't think Scott and his nephew will have any issues during their climb. They just need to take the traditional route; follow the PCT south up to Dicks Pass, then traverse the ridge to the summit of Dicks. Almost all of the snow (on this ridge) will be melted by then.

-Russ