JMT Early Start

[carstentb]

Hello,

I am very interested in hiking the trail this June, but am worried about snow conditions. My proposed dates are from June 4th to July 6th (So long because I hope to do some off-trail hiking as well). I have a lot of experience in 3-4 day backpacking trips in the Appalachian mountains in 3-season conditions, but very little experience in snow travel/alpine conditions. I know that the conditions of the JMT depend heavily on the winter's snowfall, etc. If anyone can give me some advice or help in anyway regarding this early start date, that would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[i_Hike]

I am planning to start the JMT from Happy isles on May 29th. Obviously there will be snow, just impossible to know how much yet. Looks pretty good so far though. Just need to stay clear of those monster snow fall days for the next month and a half...

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/snowapp/swcchart.action

I only have experience in the East as well. What I have gathered from others...
1. be prepared to use ice axe- self arrest
2. use yak trax (like chains on snow tires, except for feet)
3. snow baskets for poles
4. GPS for snow covered trail.
5. Stream crossings will also be at a season high around that time.
6. Mosquitos

Only thing that concerns me is stream crossings, and PCTers seem do get through it fine. I've found many will harp on the negatives, try not to let that get to you. Barring massive snowfalls in the next 2 months I plan to be prepared to enjoy the trail. Snowshoes if necessary

[wcgornto]

2. use yak trax (like chains on snow tires, except for feet)


Yak Trax are rather flimsy. Consider Kahtoola's instead.

http://www.rei.com/product/774966/kahtoola-microspikes-traction-system

[i_Hike]

Here is a trail journal from early June hike in 2007. (A very light snow year mind you )

http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=182184

[Malto]

I am planning to start the JMT from Happy isles on May 29th. Obviously there will be snow, just impossible to know how much yet. Looks pretty good so far though. Just need to stay clear of those monster snow fall days for the next month and a half...

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/snowapp/swcchart.action

I only have experience in the East as well. What I have gathered from others...
1. be prepared to use ice axe- self arrest
2. use yak trax (like chains on snow tires, except for feet)
3. snow baskets for poles
4. GPS for snow covered trail.
5. Stream crossings will also be at a season high around that time.
6. Mosquitos

Only thing that concerns me is stream crossings, and PCTers seem do get through it fine. I've found many will harp on the negatives, try not to let that get to you. Barring massive snowfalls in the next 2 months I plan to be prepared to enjoy the trail. Snowshoes if necessary


Under no circumstances should you take snowshoes leaving in late may or June. The snow is hard and easy to walk on most of the time. I have sows hoed the high Sierra but generally in April or early may. Little chance of mosquitoes being bad unless it is a very light snow year. I didn't have a single skeeter in June 2011 on the pct but it was a very heavy snow year.

And not all PCTers do just fine with the stream crossings. Many get swept down stream losing gear. After crossing dozens I was swept downstream in north Yosemite. Timing is key to the crossings.