High Sierra Topix

John:

Wow! That's rugged terrain even in the best of conditions . . . you guys ROCK!

Echo Col must have been hairy . . .

Mike

Thanks Mike. In many ways (if you are comfortable on skis) it's easier on snow; all the talus and irregular terrain features are smoothed. The nasty 3rd classish east side of Echo was so filled in we actually skied right to the col. Still had to down climb a bit on the west, but then a 15 min glide (a bit steep in places) to Helen Lake.

jd

That is the lovliest Muir Hut photograph I've ever seen. I also very much admire the "skis on your back" shot.

Wonderful stuff!

John Dittli wrote:our route was; Echo Col, Ionian Basin, Rinstein Basin, Finger Peak, Tunemah Pk, E Couloir to Goddard Creek, Enchanted Gorge, Ionian, Muir, Lamarck.

1st shot is heading toward Finger Pk, 4th is the White Divide from the mouth of Enchanted Gorge.

JD

I agree: that's one helluva route, snow or no snow! Hat's off, gentlemen! Beautiful pictures, too!

That Muir hut photo is killer. Way to go JD!!!


Ladd

so last falls trip was just a scouting trip, ehh?


nice shots - as usual.

lostcoyote wrote:so last falls trip was just a scouting trip, ehh?.

Of sorts. Good to here from you Paul

jd

Don't know if I ever mentioned I work (very part time) as a snow surveyor. Here are the June 1st numbers: the southern Sierra is averaging about 75% of April 1 (last year was 70%), the central Sierra is averaging 100% which is 30% greater then last year.

Mammoth Pass and Gem Pass are both coming in huge at 145% and 182% respectively. Note that these numbers are compared to April 1st. The percent to date is more along the lines of 250% to 350%

This weekend and part of next week are forecasted to be cold and snowy throughout the Sierra (1 to 2 FEET possibly above 10,000'). If the pack is still at 100% by June 8th, (which looks very likely at this point) it will match that of the record year of 1983 to date in the central Sierra.

It is no where near that record to the south.

What I've noticed on my ski tours this spring is that the snow increases substantially; to the north, with elevation and west of the crest.

What's all this mean? Heck if I know. Just thought y'all might be interested.

JD

Very interested -- thanks for the info John. I'm glad to hear it's not that bad to the south at least. I just want to get over Cottonwood Pass before July. First, though, they have to open the damn Horseshoe Meadow Road!