Cross Evolution Creek at San Joaquin confluence.

[treks]

This discussion petered out in the larger thread about the San Joaquin bridge being washed out https://www.highsierratopix.com/communi ... hp?t=22889.

I was curious about the east shore of the San Joaquin and cross at Evolution Creek. Since the creek is from the cascades and narrow, it tends to be faster and you can see a lot of white water in the Google Earth images. The only place that seems somewhat wide and tamer is where it meets the San Joaquin but I am not sure how deep and fast the streams are there.

Does anyone have experience with this area? Would appreciate experiences or even your thoughts on the matter.

[narc1370]

I'd recommend watching Andrew Skurka's Q and A. He specifically addresses this. https://www.youtube.com/live/GiSjl2L5nXk?feature=share

[treks]

Thanks for the link. Nice to see in video.

I had read his water conditions blog before and it does talk about the approaches for the damaged bridge. Although it didn't have any information on this specific approach. Couldn't find mention in the video either but I may have missed it.

[treks]

This post corroborates my idea that it may be too strong on the western shore. I am guessing there are deep channels based on the white tips compared to the other parts of the channel.

https://jmtwilderness.org/2023-bridge-c ... te-routes/

Follow the east side of South Fork San Joaquin once at the base of Evolution Valley / in Goddard Canyon.

This option is not recommended until well into August this year because it requires a second wade of Evolution Creek just where it flows into the South Fork San Joaquin. Photos from Google Earth show ”white water” along the entire length, including in low snow years until late in the season. This crossing will be turbulent. The east side traverse from the damaged bridge to Evolution Creek is talus with aspens, and manzanita should be passable.