2019 Snow Level

General discussions on hiking in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest
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Chip Down
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Chip Down » May 24th, 2019, 7:31 pm

drm wrote:
May 24th, 2019, 1:58 pm
I was told that Wahtum was accessible by road weeks ago. I have not been there.
I know what the trails are like to the north, and I'd be surprised if that road is bare. If it is, I'm kicking myself for not driving up there last weekend.

Edit: It's kind of a moot issue. From Guy's report, we know it's walkable, even if you can't drive a Civic to the lake.

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Brian95
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Brian95 » May 25th, 2019, 6:35 am

drm wrote:
May 24th, 2019, 1:58 pm
I was told that Wahtum was accessible by road weeks ago. I have not been there.
Chip Down wrote:
May 24th, 2019, 7:31 pm
drm wrote:
May 24th, 2019, 1:58 pm
I was told that Wahtum was accessible by road weeks ago. I have not been there.
I know what the trails are like to the north, and I'd be surprised if that road is bare. If it is, I'm kicking myself for not driving up there last weekend.

Edit: It's kind of a moot issue. From Guy's report, we know it's walkable, even if you can't drive a Civic to the lake.
Thank you, both of you!

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Chip Down
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Chip Down » May 26th, 2019, 5:31 am

All clear! The road I mean; the sky not so much. :|

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Chip Down
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Chip Down » May 26th, 2019, 8:51 pm

See, here's why I couldn't fathom the road being clear to Wahtum. This pic is on a neighboring road at about the same elevation.
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20190526_171119.jpg

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ghsmith76
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by ghsmith76 » May 27th, 2019, 8:46 pm

I'm planning to backpack the Timberline Trail in 3 weeks, Starting June 17. Any reports about snow or stream crossings would be greatly appreciated.
GHSMITH76
Blog:AdventureContinues.org

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drm
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by drm » May 28th, 2019, 6:45 am

The Mt Hood Test Site snotel still shows 37 inches of snow and I think that's still on the south side. That could well melt out weeks early, about the time you hike. But that is lower than many parts of the Timberline and there will still be major snowbanks in many places, lots of route-finding of covered trail, and raging creek crossings. The Timberline is still an adventure that early. Some people will be doing it by then, but it won't be a walk in the park.

mmathews
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by mmathews » May 28th, 2019, 11:50 am

ghsmith76 wrote:
May 27th, 2019, 8:46 pm
I'm planning to backpack the Timberline Trail in 3 weeks, Starting June 17. Any reports about snow or stream crossings would be greatly appreciated.
Ran up to McNeil Shelter on Sunday, May 26. Snow patchy on #600 north side of Bald Mtn Ridge to McGee Creek Trail junction, then large patches. The ridgetop was clear and patches started again on the way up. Complete snow cover, 4'-6' deep tree wells above 5000' elevation. I crossed over to the scramble trail and ended the trip 200'-300' short of the shelter in whiteout fog and rain to return to the station by 4:00 p.m.

My guess: the trail should be passable, but expect deep snow patches in areas at 6000' and above in mid-June. Also prepare for difficult water crossings, they may have failing snow bridges and banks, and the water should be running very quickly.

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Chip Down
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Chip Down » May 28th, 2019, 7:55 pm

ghsmith76 wrote:
May 27th, 2019, 8:46 pm
I'm planning to backpack the Timberline Trail in 3 weeks, Starting June 17. Any reports about snow or stream crossings would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Mr Smith,
I've noted your plans in previous posts.
Interested in speculation?
There will be snow, which can be a good thing.
It's pretty much impossible to get lost on circum route. (and if you carry GPS, it's a non-issue)
If you know the mountain well, there should be only three challenges:
In spots you might wish you had traction or maybe even a light axe, but if you carry them you might regret it.
If you have to navigate across snow in fog, that can prove tricky.
Creek crossings will certainly be a challenge.

I suppose the safest time to do this hike is early September (pretty stable weather, little snow, easier creek crossings). But what's the fun in that?


an afterthought:
ghsmith76 wrote:
May 27th, 2019, 8:46 pm
I'm planning to backpack the Timberline Trail in 3 weeks
Three weeks is a pretty slow pace. Did you mean three days? ;) (yeah, I know what you meant, but it reads funny)

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retired jerry
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by retired jerry » May 29th, 2019, 4:52 am

ha, ha, ha,... very funny...

why is it funny to intentionally misinterpret something - you know what it means but it reads something totally different?

I think it's funny

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ghsmith76
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by ghsmith76 » May 29th, 2019, 4:10 pm

Chip Down wrote:
May 28th, 2019, 7:55 pm
ghsmith76 wrote:
May 27th, 2019, 8:46 pm
I'm planning to backpack the Timberline Trail in 3 weeks, Starting June 17. Any reports about snow or stream crossings would be greatly appreciated.
I suppose the safest time to do this hike is early September (pretty stable weather, little snow, easier creek crossings). But what's the fun in that?
Exactly...It should be fun. This early TT Trek may present some additional challenges, but nothing that will prevent success. I have decided to use the Timberline Trail as an annual trip which I use to gauge where I am at physically. I have done the TT in August and September but I am really looking forward to what it will be like in June. Plus my 2019 backpacking schedule required that I do the TT this year during this week in June.
GHSMITH76
Blog:AdventureContinues.org

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