Info on snow banks at Lake Italy?

[david d]

Hi--
Does anyone have a more recent report on the snowbanks along the south side of Lake Italy? I'll be walking through on August 8th or 9th.
Also-- the topo shows a flatter area at the lower end of Jumble Lake. Is it possible to camp there?
Thanks for any info!

[BardoPond]

This is what they looked like on July 28th, coming from the west. The first one could be bypassed by walking along the shore. The second one seemed harder to avoid. We saw one hiker slowly get across both. While traversing the second one, he pushed down a few unstable rocks to clear his way.

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[DaveDill]

Been a number of years but as I recall the terrain around Jumble is pure talus. Maybe you could find a couple of small level spots. I have however camped a little above Jumble Lake. There is a sandy spot with a nearby spring just off the use trail.

[Bishop_Bob]

I'd just go around the north shore of Lake Italy.

[windknot]

I've camped near the lower end of Jumble Lake once in a pinch (got caught in a snowstorm while coming down from Italy Pass). I don't recommend -- it was very difficult to find a relatively flat patch large enough for a tent. Better to camp at Lake Italy, or get over the pass with enough time to camp in Granite Park instead.

[Harlen]

BardoPond wrote:

This is what they looked like on July 28th, coming from the west. The first one could be bypassed by walking along the shore. The second one seemed harder to avoid. We saw one hiker slowly get across both. While traversing the second one, he pushed down a few unstable rocks to clear his way.

And this is what BardoPond and friend looked like cruising beneath the first snowfield.

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It's pretty cool-- like a breaking wave of snow.



I'd say that both snowfields looked pretty easy. Go later in the day when they'll be nice and soft. Good luck, Ian.

[david d]

Thanks neveryone!

[iluka]

We went through this area about 4 days ago. It's now possible to walk between both snow banks and the lake without having to do any detours up and around on the talus or crossing the snow patches.