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 22nd, 2019, 8:21 am

Lewis River Trail now melted out. I went from Curly Creek (whose falls are in great condition now) to Lower Falls. FS website says open to Middle Falls but I saw no snow even on the hillsides so I expect it is melted to Upper Falls. But the trail is not cleared of debris yet, of which there is a lot.

Webfoot
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Webfoot » April 22nd, 2019, 10:08 am

Thanks! Any photos of the falls?

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drm
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by drm » April 22nd, 2019, 1:13 pm

Yes - I'll be getting to the trip report soon, maybe this evening, so watch for it there.

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Chip Down
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Chip Down » April 28th, 2019, 6:48 pm

Zigzag Mountain trail is doable from the west end to the lookout site and the junction with #789. As the trail skirts the top of West Zigzag, it crests at 4440' and then starts dropping again as it continues east. For maybe 50 yards at this high point it's a little tricky, but don't give up, it gets better. After dropping quite a ways, it starts ascending again to cross over the north ridge of West ZZ Mtn, and it gets a little tricky again, but soon improves after crossing the ridge. I didn't go much further, but I'm sure it must clear again as it drops and continues east. The pic below is near the 4440' crest near the top of West ZZ. You can see faint footprints in the old firm snow, covered by an inch of new (notice the new snow in the trees). Traction devices might be helpful in spots.
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20190428_103003.jpg

birdhiker
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by birdhiker » May 1st, 2019, 6:34 am

Hi:

Thinking of trying FiveMile Butte area this weekend, anyone drive FR 44 yet? How much snow around Bottle Prairie? Mt Hood site has not been updated since 4/1. Snow map still shows 3 feet in area yet Mt Hood site shows tower open.

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retired jerry
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by retired jerry » May 2nd, 2019, 2:31 pm

last measurable rain April 27, last rain April 29, next rain predicted May 12

is it too early to root for a record number of days in a row without rain? That wouldn't usually start until July 1 or so

Aimless
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Aimless » May 2nd, 2019, 2:45 pm

I find it more satisfactory to root for whatever rain falls to fall only at night. That seems to me like a better request than a drought, dried up creeks, stagnant lakes, and a horrible wildfire season.

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retired jerry
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by retired jerry » May 2nd, 2019, 7:24 pm

If my rooting had any effect I'd root for something else :)

Maybe I'll root for or against Trailblazers...

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kepPNW
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by kepPNW » May 3rd, 2019, 4:50 am

Well-consolidated snow on Silver Star above 3800-4000' or so.

Very easy to walk on (finally) without postholing! :D

ImageSummit Junction, 4/28/19
Karl
Back on the trail, again...

Schrauf
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Re: 2019 Snow Level

Post by Schrauf » May 4th, 2019, 7:50 pm

Clockwise on Starvation - Defiance Loop, consistent snow begins above Warren Lake at about 4k. Generally 2 - 4 feet near the summit, but some exposed ground. Similar snow coverage on the descent on the Defiance trail, gone by about 4k. Not much postholing today but I was below the snow by about 11 AM before it got too warm.

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