Desolation Wilderness in Late June

[valeofoakland]

Hi all -

I have a permit for Desolation Wilderness from June 30-July 4, entering at Wright's Lake and going over Rockbound Pass to Schmiddel, and back. Should I expect lots of snow over that pass at that time after such a big snow year?

Thanks!

[Tom_H]

Yes. In mid-July of 2011 I hiked Echo past Aloha, Heather, Susie and out at Glen Alpine. The snow was 3'-8' deep for almost the entire route. I believe Vacca Russ has some trip reports for the route you propose and roughly the same time of year from 2011 in the archives. You might want to search his posts and Tahoe Jeff's as well.

[maverick]

Check for TR's or condition updates here on HST and check the following link too: http://desowv.org/component/trailcondit ... ed_Reports

[EDHDad]

This was yesterday at Lower Echo. 7300-7500 elevation. I watched someone cross country ski over a portion of the lake. Hopefully this give you an idea of what to expect in Desolation. I imagine it will change dramatically between now and then but I've heard reports of 10-12 feet of snow on the passes.

[Tom_H]

This was yesterday at Lower Echo. 7300-7500 elevation. I watched someone cross country ski over a portion of the lake. Hopefully this give you an idea of what to expect in Desolation. I imagine it will change dramatically between now and then but I've heard reports of 10-12 feet of snow on the passes.

The snow on Echo Lakes will be gone by late June, however everything beyond Upper Echo will still be in deep snow.