Leavitt Meadows lakes mid-June

[bethmitchell]

Hi, I'm thinking of doing a ~4 day trip in mid-June starting from Leavitt Meadows and visiting some of the lakes around there - Fremont, Secret, Cinko etc. I'm wondering if we're likely to have stream crossing issues (West Walker River?) and/or bad bad bugs. Anyone have intel on what that area is likely to be like around that time of year? Thanks!

[Flamingo]

Hi Beth, I think a Leavitt Meadow trip for mid-June is a fine idea. I've enjoyed several early-season trips from this trailhead, as early as May 1st in a low snow year. Fording the West Walker River (e.g. access to Fremont Lake) will probably be manageable, but I don't know your river-fording comfort level, so proceed with caution and be willing to turn back. As for bugs... mid-June in the Sierra could either be too soon for bugs (if you're lucky) or the mosquito hatchings will be peaking and terrible. Either way, don't let the bugs turn you away.

There may be snow remaining on/around the higher elevation lakes on your list, like Cinko, so keep that mind.

Overall, I would advise to go with flexible plans. One thing I like about trips from Leavitt Meadows is all the options it affords. If the river crossings look gross, or the snow level isn't good for you. . . you can instead just continue up the river to Lower/Upper Piute Canyon, which are nearly always snow-free in June, and I think they're mighty fine destinations on their own.

Good luck!

[Schleppy]

Overall, I would advise to go with flexible plans. One thing I like about trips from Leavitt Meadows is all the options it affords. If the river crossings look gross, or the snow level isn't good for you. .

This

[balzaccom]

Yeah, I am a bit less optimistic, but it all depends on what happens between now and then, We did that rip around 4th of July a few years ago. Crossing the Walker was waist deep and icy cold, but slow moving where we crossed. Mostquitoes at Freemont we fierce, but by the time we got up to Cinko they were fine--although Cinko had a lot of snow. Coming back down below Cinko the bugs were fierce again, and in the meadow below Beartrap Lake were also thick.

Wear headnets and bring plenty of bug dope, and watch both river crossings and your navigation over snow.

[mkbgdns]

was "a few years ago" the record snowpack year 2023? if so, that ain't this year. that was a twice-in-a-backpacking-lifetime (with '83) event.

[Wandering Daisy]

I think he was referring to 2019-20. It was about 250% average. Time flies when you are having fun! (and getting old)

Many trails in that area are designed for horses. I recall that some of the crossings at the trails are quite deep. I recall that the main trail that continues up to the "Lady Lakes" can be deep and swift. I think the crossing to get to Fremont Lake is not as bad.

[mkbgdns]

actually, the summer of 2019 came off a central sierra snowpack of about 160%, the summer of 2020 about 60%, referencing CDWR automatic sensor data. I'm sure Leavitt Meadows has both manual and automated measures taken, but I doubt that they would deviate so far from the region average. the manual surveys show only 3 years when the snowpack significantly exceeded 200% of normal for the San Joaquin drainage (a good substitute for "central sierra")--1969, 1983, and 2023. I think that any old codger who backpacked all three of those summers should step forward and take a bow.

numerology aside, I've been out of Leavitt Meadow 2 or 3 times. Assuming that this finishes as a near-normal snowpack year, which seems likely, you have a decent chance of hitting the Golden Window, after The Melt but before The Hatch.

[mkbgdns]

got curious--no manual measurement at leavitt meadows, but in 2019, Walker River Basin (4 stations) reported 207% of average on 4/1. highest % of any river basin in California.only one above 200%. actually consistent w balzacom's report. but again--that's not this year.

[texan]

I have gone there to that area many times. I would wait until Mid-April to see what the condition are. We don't know how the snow will melt yet. Also, the skeeters in that area are not as bad as Emigrant. But that's my opinion. Good luck.

Texan

[bethmitchell]

Hi, wow, lots of info! Much appreciated. I think we'll plan on visiting this area and stay flexible based on stream crossings etc.