Questions and reports related to Sierra Nevada current and forecast conditions, as well as general precautions and safety information. Trail conditions, fire/smoke reports, mosquito reports, weather and snow conditions, stream crossing information, and more.
No traction devices needed on Alta Trail to Alta Meadows. Crampons needed for ascent from 10,000 feet to Moose Lake. Rim of Moose Lake has a few snow free places to camp. Full snow coverage up to the Kings-Kaweah Divide and down to the Kaweah River until about 9600 feet. Ridge out of Kaweah River valley is snow free on the Pear Lake drainage side and an easy granite walk down to the outlet by the Ranger Station. The trail from the ranger station to Wolverton is snowy near Emerald Lake and Heather Lake, but no traction devices are needed. The bear locker at Emerald Lake is fully melted out, as are a couple of campsites (and no one was there!).
We had ice axes but didn't really need them. Suncups are crazy big in some places and afternoon snow travel is tiring.
Importantly, the Watchtower Trail is still officially closed due to snowy patches above the Watchtower, but we did them and I think most people would be fine crossing them without traction devices. There is one blowdown near Heather Lake but crossing it was fine, too.
We had a couple of mosquitoes mid-day in calm shade at the Pear Lake Ranger Station, and one at the Wolverton Trailhead, but otherwise the trip was a 0 for mosquitoes.
What an incredible trip! I'm so glad you had a great time and the conditions looks great, still can't believe the amount of snow there. My dad and I did a similar trip a couple of years ago in mid July, I must say, the snow level makes it look like a different planet. Also, it's always nice to grab a pint at Brewbakers haha
"The mountains are calling, but can't find my phone"
Thank you for the wonderful TR and pictures, very enjoyable.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member:http://reconn.org
haha
