2019 Snow Level

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

Post by drm » April 14th, 2019, 7:46 am

adamschneider wrote:
April 13th, 2019, 8:32 pm
My favorite snowpack link:

https://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/webmap/#h ... 8&zoom=5.5

It is kind of a bummer when Washington is low on snow and California is high. It means everything kinda melts out at the same time, instead of there being a nice northward progression.
May is ever important and I wouldn't be surprised if many Washington locations melt out before the Sierra Nevada, especially the Olympics. Also, remember that high percentages compared to average does not necessarily mean deep snow. Ten inches is 200% if the average is five inches, so some of these places can catch up very quickly if May has a lot of melting weather.

greenjello85
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by greenjello85 » April 14th, 2019, 4:23 pm

Tried to go to the northern elk lake Creek trailhead today and 63 is clear of snow but blocked by a large tree across the road just before road 6350 turnoff. Dickey Creek should be accessible now.

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Born2BBrad
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Born2BBrad » April 15th, 2019, 7:36 am

The snow in the Blue Mountains along I-84 was negligible to non-existent at 3500', but almost full coverage at the summit pass at 4193'. North of Troy, OR, in the woods on forest roads we were able to get to 3800' in a Subaru. High clearance trucks would be able to go a bit further.
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xrp
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by xrp » April 15th, 2019, 3:27 pm

drm wrote:
April 13th, 2019, 5:13 pm
Went up Herman Ck, spent last night. Snow coverage becomes pretty complete just a few hundred yards before the Herman Ck crossing, which is at about 8 miles in. So Cedar Swamp is open for camping.

Also popped over the the other side to check out the Trapper Ck trailhead, getting close:
trapper trlhd.jpg
How deep is that snow? Was it just in the parking lot? What about as you hit the trail there? Thanks for getting the picture!

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drm
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by drm » April 16th, 2019, 6:37 am

The snow at the trailhead was less than a foot deep, but very crunchy. I didn't stop to check out the trail. From past experience I expect it is snow covered off and on. Since the trail often is up on the south-facing hillside, it melts out early. But camping spots would still be covered. Next weekend would be the time to really check it out.

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BurnsideBob
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by BurnsideBob » April 16th, 2019, 6:51 am

Folks may find this of interest. Shows where and how deep the snow is. Updated daily. Don't let "Sierra" in the title throw you off--shows all of the Western US--you just have to scroll around.

https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/SierraSnowDepth/
I keep making protein shakes but they always turn out like margaritas.

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retired jerry
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by retired jerry » April 16th, 2019, 7:11 am

I like http://adamschneider.net/hiking/snow_depth.html - same data I believe

click "usgstopo" and it overlays with USGS topo

greenjello85
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by greenjello85 » April 16th, 2019, 3:11 pm

Salmon river trail is now clear. It looked like some fresh snow on the ridge tops above around 4000'.

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xrp
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by xrp » April 16th, 2019, 6:59 pm

greenjello85 wrote:
April 16th, 2019, 3:11 pm
Salmon river trail is now clear. It looked like some fresh snow on the ridge tops above around 4000'.
How far in?

greenjello85
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by greenjello85 » April 16th, 2019, 8:44 pm

xrp wrote:
April 16th, 2019, 6:59 pm
How far in?
At least to the viewpoint around 4 miles in. 2500' elevation.

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