2020 Snow Level

General discussions on hiking in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest
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Chip Down
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by Chip Down » June 14th, 2020, 4:52 pm

A little new snow on Silver Star! Not enough to trouble anybody, but I think those hiking above 5k' should be aware that fresh snow is possible.

gallione11
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Joined: May 10th, 2019, 6:45 am

Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by gallione11 » June 15th, 2020, 7:05 am

Has anyone been to the Three Sisters recently? Heading there this weekend and trying to decide a couple hikes to do. The FS snow level map looks like pretty much anything on the Cascade Lakes Highway is still under moderate to heavy snow but would appreciate some first hand experience if anyone has been recently.

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retired jerry
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by retired jerry » June 15th, 2020, 9:15 am

If you look at http://adamschneider.net/hiking/snow_depth.html

Click on "usgs topo" and it will overlay that so you can orient yourself

I have noticed that if it shows any snow, there's probably a lot. It gives an average over an area, but a trail will be on a ridge where there's more snow.

jeannette
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by jeannette » June 15th, 2020, 12:33 pm

So I have plans to start in Ashland June 23rd and start heading North on the PCT until Cascade Locks. my plan is to do the whole thing in 3 weeks or so. Is it safe to say that there will still be considerable snow on the trail? I see the temperatures are pretty warm this week.

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jessbee
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by jessbee » June 15th, 2020, 12:57 pm

gallione11 wrote:
June 15th, 2020, 7:05 am
Has anyone been to the Three Sisters recently? Heading there this weekend and trying to decide a couple hikes to do. The FS snow level map looks like pretty much anything on the Cascade Lakes Highway is still under moderate to heavy snow but would appreciate some first hand experience if anyone has been recently.
Yes, most anything on Cascades lakes highway will be snow covered right now and more snowfall predicted in the mountains this week.
Will break trail for beer.

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jeannette
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by jeannette » June 15th, 2020, 1:15 pm

So Microspikes might be a good idea for at least the next few weeks.

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retired jerry
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by retired jerry » June 15th, 2020, 1:26 pm

GPS with a track where the trail is would be good

jeannette
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by jeannette » June 15th, 2020, 1:53 pm

But I suspect the best thing may be to wait a couple of weeks to wait for some more snow to melt?

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retired jerry
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by retired jerry » June 15th, 2020, 3:15 pm

yes

I didn't want to be a troll :)

I'm not that familiar with the southern part though, and by the time you get to the northern part there'll be some more melting. I think a couple weeks later would be better

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rubiks
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Re: 2020 Snow Level

Post by rubiks » June 15th, 2020, 7:44 pm

As of 6/14, Yocum ridge is clear up to that little lake just off the trail. Patches of snow across the trail start at about 5200', and become persistent about 5600'. I was happy to have microspikes for the last mile or two, but if you're careful you could make do without them.
You know exactly what to do.
There's no need to be afraid.
Keep walking.

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