High Sierra Topix

I am planning to do the Copper Creek trail up to Granite Basin and Horseshoe lakes in Kings Canyon in a weeks time. I called the wilderness office in Kings Canyon, but they could not give me any specific information on the current conditions. Would anybody know at what level I may expect snow? Would the granite pass be passable this early in the season? Thanks!

Based on recent weather, the State Lakes snow sensor, and on pictures from a peakbagger who was up on Kennedy Mountain last weekend, I'd expect snow to be sparse at trail level. Maybe plan to hit the pass mid morning in case there is snow that could be slick early morning and mushy late afternoon. I'm supposed to be doing a weekend fastpacking/peakbagging trip up there to the peaks and lakes surrounding the pass, but had to cancel due to an injury sustained around the house. Given storms this weekend, that may have been a blessing in disguise. As of this morning, my buddy claimed he was still going, so I'll update what he finds if he indeed gets to the pass area.

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Would expect snow on the northern side of the pass, and some snow, at least patchy, including some flooded sections in the Horse Lakes (10500ft) area.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. Would be very interested to hear what your buddy (if he is going) will find.

seanr wrote:Based on recent weather, the State Lakes snow sensor, and on pictures from a peakbagger who was up on Kennedy Mountain last weekend, I'd expect snow to be sparse at trail level. Maybe plan to hit the pass mid morning in case there is snow that could be slick early morning and mushy late afternoon. I'm supposed to be doing a weekend fastpacking/peakbagging trip up there to the peaks and lakes surrounding the pass, but had to cancel due to an injury sustained around the house. Given storms this weekend, that may have been a blessing in disguise. As of this morning, my buddy claimed he was still going, so I'll update what he finds if he indeed gets to the pass area.

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Thanks for the info.

maverick wrote:Would expect snow on the northern side of the pass, and some snow, at least patchy, including some flooded sections in the Horse Lakes (10500ft) area.

seanr wrote:... and on pictures from a peakbagger who was up on Kennedy Mountain last weekend

Hi Sean,

Were those posted on a forum somewhere? I am also thinking about heading up that way this weekend and would love to get a look at the area.

Conditions sound promising, though!

Thanks!

Mount Harrington & Kennedy Mountain via Lewis Creek Trail June 6-7:

https://tommey.smugmug.com/2016/SPS2016 ... nnedy-Mtn/

ExploreABitMore wrote:

seanr wrote:... and on pictures from a peakbagger who was up on Kennedy Mountain last weekend

Hi Sean,

Were those posted on a forum somewhere? I am also thinking about heading up that way this weekend and would love to get a look at the area.

Conditions sound promising, though!

Thanks!

...............

I won't have any further updates on Monarch Divide/Copper Creek until I go there myself (my friend opted for Tahoe last weekend).

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Thanks! Looks good out there.

If I go, I'll try and post back updates too. Unfortunately, I may have tweaked my ankle stretching, so my trip is also up in the air now!

When are you planning to go?

maverick wrote:When are you planning to go?

Not sure if I'm the one being asked, but in case I see any of y'all around there, I'm looking at possibly being out 2 nights in a few days. Otherwise, I'm looking at several 3-5 night windows in July and too many ideas.

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