The trail was dry and downed trees had been cleared all the way in. Established campsites at Emerald and Pear Lakes were snow-free and pretty much occupied each day. Crossing the Marble Fork was possible once we got to Table Meadows, South aspects of the Tablelands were snow free up to 11.2k', but north slopes still held 4-5 feet in patches from 10.5k' and up. We were going to Big Bird and Moose Lakes but chickened out due to no axes or crampons.
View up Marble Fork from the Watchtower:
Aster Lake looking NE
Alta Peak from Emerald Lake campsite
Pear Lake and Alta Peak
Looking down at Table Meadows from Tablelands, snow coverage was about 50% here...
Looking west at Alta Pk and Moose Lake. Moose was still frozen except for a little open water at the outlet.
Looking SE from above Big Bird Lake; Horn Col is at Center, Kaweahs in back.
Looking E. across Glacier Divide; Table Mtn and Milestone Mtn. at top on horizon.
Mt. Brewer (left) and Longley Pass (right)
Tarn on the ridge above Big Bird Lake. Snow depth was about 5-6'
Nice report and photos. I especially like the shots of the Marble Fork cascades. I'm sure they were impressive in sound as well as visually. I also like the shot of the Kaweahs looming in the back behind the crags over Big Bird Lake. The clouds add to the drama of that view, too.
Yes, the volume of water still running off the melting snowpack is still formidable. And the roaring sound throughout the drainage is intimidating. It's an amazing yr for the late spring sights and sounds.
