Glacier and Sawtooth Pass?

[Happybaker]

Does anyone know what current snow/ice conditions are at Sawtooth pass and Glacier pass out of Mineral King?

[RooPhillip]

I'd call the Mineral King Ranger Station for up-to-date info: 559-565-3768

[maverick]

SEKI NP:

7/14 - Snow patches to navigate up to the crest from the South. 100% snow coverage on top of pass down to Spring Lake

.
https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm

From a current TR:

Backpacked out of Mineral King last weekend. Our plan was to go MK>Forester>Big 5 Lakes>Little 5 Lakes>MK. Our ranger informed us that Blackrock Pass (coming out of Little 5 Lakes back to MK) was a toss up. Not enough information on whether it was possible or not. Choice two was Sawtooth which the ranger immediately shut down--they were not issuing permits for Sawtooth at all unless individuals had ice climbing gear; apparently it was impassable otherwise. So we decided to do a Forester Lake/ Big 5 Lake out and back.

http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=16255&p=122313&hilit=franklin+lakes#p122313

[vandevej]

I'm supposed to go out of MK on Saturday. Message at Ranger Station says that ice ax and crampons recommended for all high altitude passes out of Mineral King. Post for Black Rock pass says 80% snow coverage for the east side top 1000' but clear at top and clear below 10,600'. No update on Sawtooth Pass for a month has me a bit concerned. Our group was hoping to do clockwise over Black Rock/5 Lakes/Columbine/Sawtooth Pass and out.

[maverick]

Hi Vandevej,

Welcome to HST! If your group has the ice axe & crampon experience, then proceed with you planned itinerary, otherwise an out and back trip to FLL or a longer trip going in BRP and out FP, or doing it in reverse, will be a safer option, but you will still have snow at the highest elevations.

[vandevej]

Thanks Maverick for the input!