Route taken: Day hike up to Pine Lake from the Pine Creek Pass trailhead (Sunday, June 9)
Difficult section encountered: 2.5 miles from the trailhead, just about where the Brownstone Mine is marked on the USGS topo, the switchbacks disappear in to snow. Because these switchbacks are cut directly in to the side of a steep face, a fall here would not be good. However, there is a good boot track through this snow, and I crossed easily in microspikes and trekking poles. My dog scampered across like she was strolling down the sidewalk. After the switchbacks, you're in snow almost all the way to the lake, but it's easy walking.
Special equipment needed/used: Trekking poles and microspikes, unless you're a 23 pound corgi, in which case you scoff at special equipment.
Possible alternative routs: None that I know of.
2019 Backcountry Conditions Reports
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GGC23
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maverick
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1000 Is Lake 6/8
Posted on ESHB by Yongsung Kim:
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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maverick
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Big Meadows Closed Till 7/4
Sequoia NF:
Big Meadows remains closed due to snow, parts of Big Meadows Rd are still under 3 feet. We are keeping our fingers crossed to open the area for 4th of July weekend!
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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maverick
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Carson Pass / Lake Winnemucca 6/10
Posted on SNCC-TPP by Sarah Finck:
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Snowfire
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Kaiser Pass to Mt. Givens 6/12
Soft suncups going to Mt. Givens from Kaiser Pass. Coming down on foot almost as efficient as skiing. Lake Edison nearing full. Snow level around 9,000 feet in the trees.
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bobby49
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Re: 2019 Backcountry Conditions Reports
I enjoyed this photo that you shot. It displays the country that I traversed on a JMT segment in 2018.
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commonloon
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Harrigton Pass/Peak 6/15-6/16
I went back ;-) What a difference 2 weeks make!
Route: Deer Cove tailhead -> Harring Pass & Summit (6/15-6/16)
Special equipment needed/used:
- Ice Axe (only for a snow traverse leading to Harrington summit)
- Crampons (used in early am, microspikes would have been fine except for snow traverse)
Possible alternative routes:
- Lewis Creek trail also leads to Frypan, etc. but would involve more creek crossings.
Other:
- Bugs were present until around 9K (it had become cooler also).
- 2nd Creek leading up to Grizzly Lakes was high/fast. I used a blowdown to cross close to the "Trail" location.
About the Snow:
- Patchy snow around 8600 ft, nearly 100% 9200 ft.
- The snow was consolidated with slushy 6" or so after having time in the sun. Suncups. Easy walking early.
- Lots of thicker bits of snow in the trees or up high (at or above Grizzy lakes). LOTs(!) of snow on northern aspects, e.g. the lake above the Gorge of Despair.
Route: Deer Cove tailhead -> Harring Pass & Summit (6/15-6/16)
Special equipment needed/used:
- Ice Axe (only for a snow traverse leading to Harrington summit)
- Crampons (used in early am, microspikes would have been fine except for snow traverse)
Possible alternative routes:
- Lewis Creek trail also leads to Frypan, etc. but would involve more creek crossings.
Other:
- Bugs were present until around 9K (it had become cooler also).
- 2nd Creek leading up to Grizzly Lakes was high/fast. I used a blowdown to cross close to the "Trail" location.
About the Snow:
- Patchy snow around 8600 ft, nearly 100% 9200 ft.
- The snow was consolidated with slushy 6" or so after having time in the sun. Suncups. Easy walking early.
- Lots of thicker bits of snow in the trees or up high (at or above Grizzy lakes). LOTs(!) of snow on northern aspects, e.g. the lake above the Gorge of Despair.
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maverick
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Muir Lake 11,100 ft
Posted on SNCC-TPP by Evan Thomas:
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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looks easy from here
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Re: 2019 Backcountry Conditions Reports
maverick, what's SNCC-TPP? Google isn't giving me an answer that looks right.
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maverick
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Re: 2019 Backcountry Conditions Reports
Sierra Nevada Current Conditions - Trails, Passes and Peaks (Facebook). 
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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