Cast Lake Conditions?

Trip recommendations, current conditions, and other trail related Q&A
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mcswny
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Joined: April 29th, 2021, 11:47 am

Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by mcswny » April 29th, 2021, 11:53 am

Hiya!
Does any one happen to know if Cast Lake is clear of snow yet?
I'm thinking specifically Burnt Lake Trail #772 up to East Zig Zag.

Thanks in advance!
tim

mcswny
Posts: 5
Joined: April 29th, 2021, 11:47 am

Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by mcswny » April 29th, 2021, 12:15 pm

OR if Burnt Lake itself is clear, as they may give an indication of Cast's conditions.

Aimless
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Location: Lake Oswego

Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by Aimless » April 29th, 2021, 12:23 pm

Are East Zigzag Mt and Cast Lake clear of snow right now? That's an easy one. Nope. All recent reports indicate the residual snow level locally seems to be anywhere from 3400 to 3800 ft, or maybe a bit higher, depending on terrain, tree cover, and orientation to the sun. :(

mcswny
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Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by mcswny » April 29th, 2021, 12:39 pm

Appreciate the response, thank you.

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retired jerry
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Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by retired jerry » April 29th, 2021, 12:50 pm

I frequently do that in the spring. June 1 would be a more likely date. Maybe no snow at Burnt Lake but difficult to get onto Zigzag ridge.

If you look at Adam's page
https://adamschneider.net/hiking/snow_depth.html
That will give you an idea about snow level. I have found that if that shows any snow, even 1 inch, there's actually quite a bit of snow on a road or ridge.
I think it shows 100 inches on East Zigzag right now.

mcswny
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Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by mcswny » April 29th, 2021, 1:00 pm

This is super helpful, thanks Jerry.

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retired jerry
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Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by retired jerry » April 29th, 2021, 1:05 pm

I like to go up to Zigzag ridge. Sleep the night just west of East Zigzag - great view of Portland. Then up Zigzag trail to Paradise Park. Back down on PCT. Walk on the road from Ramona Falls TH to Burnt Lake TH a couple miles.

Aimless
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Location: Lake Oswego

Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by Aimless » May 7th, 2021, 1:12 pm

As of May 6 (2021) the Cast Creek trail is solidly covered with snow starting at just under 4000 ft.

mcswny
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Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by mcswny » May 10th, 2021, 8:40 am

Aimless wrote:
May 7th, 2021, 1:12 pm
As of May 6 (2021) the Cast Creek trail is solidly covered with snow starting at just under 4000 ft.
Thanks for the intel!
Did you make it up to Cast Lake was the entire shoreline socked in?

Aimless
Posts: 1922
Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:02 pm
Location: Lake Oswego

Re: Cast Lake Conditions?

Post by Aimless » May 10th, 2021, 11:07 am

I didn't have microspikes and didn't make it to the lake.

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