TR: 5/13-14/21 Horseshoe Meadows > Onion Valley

[jimmyjamhikes]

I’m attempting a thru-hike of the PCT this year and I just hit the Sierra. Here’s my trip report for Horseshoe Meadows to Onion Valley:

https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2021/05 ... like-july/

https://jimmyjamhikingclub.com/2021/05 ... no-spikes/

TL;DR: There’s no snow!

The Forester Pass Snow Chute:

[frozenintime]

wow. how often have we seen this little snow at this elevation in mid may? was 2012-15 comparable?

(i do realize that the southern sierra received even less snow than the central or northern parts of the range.)

[GGC23]

Yeah, the southern areas area really, really dry this year! Last weekend, I backcountry skiied the Saddlebag Lake area on Saturday and coverage was pretty good. Definitely less snow than the past 2 years, but still fun skiing to be had. Then I hiked to Kearsarge Pass on Sunday and it was snow-free, except for a few nuisance patches. I know that the southern areas are always drier, but I don't think I've ever seen such a huge difference between north / south.

[davidsheridan]

Thanks for the post jhfowler, I look forward to following your PCT journey on your blog. Thanks for sending this reminder to HST. I can't believe how little snow there was on Forrester!

[jimmyjamhikes]

Davidsheridan, my pleasure! I will have more reports when I get to Mammoth next Sunday.

[KathyW]

Great reports - I'll be following along as you move north.

[sekihiker]

Loved your Forester Pass haiku.

[SSSdave]

Goes to show how important it is to consider the difference in year to year conditions due to each winter. Excellent report, great photos, and always like your JJHC web page layout. I've camped near where you took that East Vidette photo.

[commonloon]

Awesome stuff. I'll be following you as well.