High Sierra Topix

I drove up Bowman Lake Road on Friday, May 11 in Tahoe NF. I was able to drive 1.25 miles up FR 14 (Grouse Ridge Road) before I came to a snow patch I was uncomfortable crossing in my Subaru. I think a 4x4 with good clearance would have no trouble. On FR 17 (to Carr/Feeley Lakes) I was able to get 2 miles up the road before I had to stop. Again, a good 4x4 should be able to continue. I'd say that FR 17 will be completely melted out within 2 weeks if this weather pattern holds. Not sure about FR 14 as I've never been further up than Friday.
It's more than a full month ahead of the melt out from last year. Much less snow than at the end of June 2011.

Hey CDM, from the direction you came in, how was Bowman Lake Rd. itself? Was it washed-out or otherwise impassable? Just trying to gauge whether or not we can get up to the lake in the next couple weeks.

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum, bxd. I drove from Hwy. 20 to Forest Road 17. There were absolutely no issues at all--not even any snow left on the side. I don't know the condition of the road past FR 17, but judging from what I saw, I'd say you don't have anything to worry about. It even appeared that a crew had already been through to deal with the deadfall and such.