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water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 7:06 am
by westmatt
What's water availability look like between Panther Gap and Alta Meadow this time of year?

thanks
-Matt

Re: water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 11:47 am
by shawnterustic
The most reliable source is usually Mehrten Creek, about 1.2 miles or so from Panther Gap - there's an obvious use trail that cuts down to it from the main trail. The last gully before you hit Alta Meadow usually has some flow still in early July, even in a dry year.

Re: water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 12:00 pm
by westmatt
thanks

Re: water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2022 11:02 am
by davidsheridan
In late August 2020 (a dry year) I found multiple small streams coming through the meadow. As you walk down towards the bottom of the meadow, you should encounter them. Especially if you are going in July.

Re: water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 1:37 pm
by jôhorn
Had the same question, bumping the thread in case anyone's been up there recently. Is there water at Mehrten or anywhere between there and Moose Lake? Thanks.

Re: water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 7:44 pm
by shawnterustic
I haven't been up there this summer, but if I remember correctly from previous trips, there's a trailside spring tucked between Mehrten Creek and the Alta Peak trail. The meadow itself is also laced with springs / small streams, as David mentioned - you're bound to run into 'em as you cross. Depending on which route you're taking up to Moose, there's a tiny tarn south of the lake that's right next to an old use trail, located on the far side of the ridgeline that runs southeast from "Winter Alta" (i.e. peak 11328).

Re: water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 11:15 am
by jôhorn
Thanks for the info, just reporting back. As of yesterday trickles remain at Mehtrten, the spring on the trail to the peak, the last gully before the meadow and that's about it.

Re: water availability - Alta Meadow

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2022 4:49 pm
by druid
jôhorn wrote: Tue Aug 09, 2022 11:15 am Thanks for the info, just reporting back.
QITNL, I presume?

Welcome, and I'd love to see more of your excellent photos any time you'd like to share.