Cedar Grove and Roads End
Wilderness Trails
Avalanche Pass
6/1- Avalanche Creek is flooding, about knee high. There is a log crossing but it's sketchy. Not recommend to cross.
Lewis Creek and Kennedy Pass
6/15 - Comb Creek is high and swift with 1 to 3 feet of water. Lewis Creek is high and swift 2 to 4 feet of water. Crossing is not recommended.
Copper Creek and Granite Pass
6/14 - Minor stream crossings; snowline starts just below 9,000 ft; trail is covered in snow ~6 miles up; could not find Upper Tent camp.
7/1 - To Granite Basin lip the trail is snow free until about 9200 feet, then patchy. 90-95% coverage starts at 10,000 feet. There is only one tree down over the trail, a large fir, that people will have to climb around until removed in the area where the snow is patchy. Traction devices are helpful on the steeper sides of the hill, snow patches were cooler in the shade. There were a few sloped trail patches right at 10,000 feet, hikers can head straight up the hill on bare ground above the trail to go north through the snow nearer to the top where it is flatter to get to the lip. The 2 lower lakes in the Basin are melted out.
Woods Creek, Bubbs Creek, and Glen Pass (Rae Lakes Loop)
6/30 - Bubbs Creek passable, water is below the knee where the trail crosses it. Passable at all times even with pack, without trekking poles. The same general conditions for Avalanche Creek with the only exception is that Avalanche Creek is a little higher, slightly above the knee. Visitors should pack a spare set of shoes/plan to get their feet wet, use of trekking or waliking sticks recommended. Excercise caution when evaluating stream crossings
7/1 - Northside of Glen Pass has 95% snow coveage, ice ax, crampons and an early start recommended. There are 3 prominant boot packs, the middle one is the least hazardous. There are three swithbacks you come to that should be skipped and use a rocky ridge to head down. The lowest bootpack is the most hazardous and should not be used.
Junction Meadow to Vidette is snow free and stock passable.
7/9 -
White Fork Crossing and JMT north of the Woods Creek crossing: Water is moving over slick rock at 2 feet deep but managable. The established crossing is looking much better than the alternate crossing at this time.
Stock crossing at Woods Creek crossing is is 4.5 feet deep and moving swiftly. Impassble for stock.
7/12 -
Trail is snow free. Sand Flat Junction is still flooded.
7/15 - The Paradise Bridge over the South Fork of the Kings River is still out. Water levels in the Kings River remain deep and swift. Hikers who are attempting to cross are encouraged to travel up and downstream to look for the safest crossing point possible and be prepared to turn around if safe crossing cannot be made.
Frontcountry Trails
Hotel Creek
5/23 - Due to hazard trees, we do not recommend hiking the Hotel Creek Trail at this time. Use extreme caution between the overlook junction the the Hotel and Lewis Creek trails junction; dead trees and hanging dead branches may fall at any time.
Kings Canyon- West of Sierra Crest
Wilderness Trails
East Lake
6/12 - Bubbs Creek crossing at Junction Meadow to get up the East Lake trail: Crossing is 15 ft wide and 5 ft deep of serious swiftwater. There are no safe crossings above or below. Crossing East Creek where it comes into Bubbs is also not possible. Snow: There was spotty snow/difficult to follow trail starting ~2 mi West of Junction Meadow ~8200ft.
6/27 - Creek Crossing at Junction Meadow not recommended at this time very high and swift.
Goddard Canyon
No report available at this time.
Tehipite Valley
10 downed trees across the switchbacks. Numerous donwed trees and branch piles also throughout the Gorge of Despair.
Grant Grove and Jennie Lakes Wilderness Area
Wilderness Trails
Big Meadows Road
7/15 - Partially open to the junction with Marvin Pass road. Road is washed out just beyond the junction with Marvin Pass Road; there is no vehicle access to the Rowell Meadow trailhead. For more information, contact the Hume Lake Ranger Station at 559-338-2251.
JO Pass
7/15 - The south side of JO Pass is clear of snow; the north side has approximately 30% snow coverage for at least 1/4 miles. The pass itself if free of snow.
Seville, Ranger, and Lost Lakes and Belle Canyon
7/15 -
Beville Lake, Ranger Lake, Lost Lake, and Seville Lake are all clear of snow as viewed from Silliman Crest.
Redwood Canyon
5/6 - Redwood Canyon Road is open. Trails are snow-free.
Sugarloaf Valley and Roaring River
7/8 - Snow is nearly non existent on both Marvin Pass and Kanawyer Gap. Marvin Pass road to the trailhead in good shape, bumpy as usual and there are a few muddy spots to be aware of. There are a total of 64 trees down over the trail between Kanawyer Gap and the Sugarloaf creek crossing. Most small; some larger firs in places, especially on the switches below Kanawyer. Sugarloaf creek crossing running fairly fast, It looked like it was probably be above the knees or a little higher.
Weaver Lake: camp at least 100ft away from lake
No report available at this time.
Jennie Lake: camp at least 100ft away from lake
No report available at this time.
Frontcountry Trails
Panoramic Point
Open.
Lodgepole, Wolverton, and Crescent Meadow
Wilderness Trails
Twin Lakes Trail
7/10 - Silliman Creek 2 1/2 ft deep. Bear boxes both damged at Twin Lakes.
Route to Silliman Lake clear of snow. Lake basin 70% covered; 2-3 tent pads dry.
7/15 - The west side of Silliman Pass has small patches of snow which are reported to be easily navigable. Silliman Pass is free of snow.
7/15 - Small patches of snow exist at the junction of Twin Lakes Trail and JO Pass; the ability to route find or naviagate in this area is necessary. The bear lockers at Twin Lakes have been damaged and are not useable as food storage options; be prepared to carry a bear canister or use the counter balance method for food storage.
Alta Peak Trail
6/21 - Snow is still present at Panther Gap on the trail just after junction with Lakes Trail. Snow Bridges should be approached with extreme caution. A few trees down.. Panther Gap itself is totally snow free.
6/23 - All snow bridges up to Panther Gap are melted. 60-70% snow covered between Alta/Lakes Junction and Panther Gap. Trail is clear of snow between Panther Gap and Mehrten Meadow; Mehrten Meadow campsites snow covered- there are 2-3 dry spots big enough for a tent but they are much too close to water. Trail is snow covered past Mehrten Meadow- navigation is difficult. Snow skills and equipment recommended past Alta Junction (to Peak and Meadow).
6/27 - Back of the Matterhorn looking up toward Winter's Alta; most north-facing slopes above 9,000ft look about like that--approximately 80-90% snow cover with some interesting sliding action and increasingly-exposed waterways.
7/7 - 2 snow bridges past Mehrten Meadow (best to go down stream of them). Basically snow free. Mehrten and Alta Meadow have camping available.
Lakes Trail (Pear Lake)
7/2 - Watchtower Trail still has several steep patches of snow. Hikers should use the Hump trail. From top of the Hump Trail on there is 70-80% snow coverage. Three sites are melted out at Pear Lake. None at Emerald Lake
7/6 - There is patchy snow starting at 9,000ft. Lake Basins are now closer to 60% snow coverage. The snow is melting fast! Weakening snow bridges at lake outlets, specifically at Heather Lake.
7/19 - Watchtower trail is open and clear of snow.
Hump trail is almost snow free. Snow will be encountered at heather lake and limited snow patches beyond. Most of the sites at Emerald and Pear are melted out.
Tablelands
No report available at this time.
High Sierra Trail
6/20 - Trail above Hamilton Lake on High Sierra Trail, a 10 foot section of trail has fallen away and there is a 8+ ft drop straight down with a few hundred foot drop after that. Impassible to stock. Hikers continuing beyond this point would be required to scramble on steep sides, both above and below the slide. Extreme cautioun is advised.
6/24 - Western Mehrten Creek crossing at 10:00 am on 6/20 (comparable to the same crossing at 2:00 pm on 6/23): approx 30 ft upstream from trail crossing was 1.5-2 ft deep swift but minimal white water. 8 mile creek approx 1-2 ft deep and swift. 9 mile creek 1.5- 2ft deep and less swift than 8 mile. Bearpaw Campground: Water is not yet turned on to spigots in the campground. However, there is a very small stream through the campground and the High Sierra Camp area where water can be collected. Additionally- the spigot at the ranger station is turned on and can be used by backpackers (not potable). Over the Hill trail: steep snow bridges across drainages are present in areas where the terrain appears dangerous to traverse in attempts to avoid snow. 27 Switchbacks trail: Mostly free of snow. Lone Pine Creek crossing at the intersection of 27 Switchbacks and Over the Hill trail is very high and very swift- not recommended.
6/29 - Crossing the Middle Fork, coming up from the Middle Fork trail from Redwood Meadow to Bearpaw hikers should go up stream 50-100 yards the river there is 1.5 to 2.5 feet deep the crossing there is wider. Lone Pine Creek to Tamarrack crossing can be done .5 to 1 mile upstream the water there is 1.5 ft deep. The other creeks from Cresant Meadow to BearPaw have gone donw significantly, no snow until Hamilton Lakes. Many people getting stopped at the blow out.
7/4 - Wright ,Wallace and Whitney Creeks are all high and swift. It is not recommended that hikers use the established crossings. Finding alternate crossing will take considerable time and patience. Wrights Creek requires a 500 ft detour uphill with no alternate crossing for stock. Chagoopa area all creeks are passable with caution. Above 10,000ft Kaweah Gap is 90% snow covered and developing suncups. Most meadows in the Kern are still under water. The High Sierra trail is still very much a hard endevour that requires much caution and skill.
7/9 - Over the Hill: trail mostly free of snow. One snowbridge remains it can be easly bypassed 25 yards down stream the outlet to Lonley Lake is 1-1.5 ft deep.
7/13 - Wright creek crossing on High Sierra Trail remains swift and hazardous. A better crossing can be found by using a challenging Class 2 scramble 1/2 mile up trail. Caution is advised.
Copper Mine Pass
No report available at this time.
Colby Pass
No report available at this time.
Elizabeth Pass
6/23 - Elizabeth Pass South side: 95% snow coverage on the ridge leading to Elizabeth Pass.
7/7 - Tamarack Lake from Elizabeth Pass is mostly free of snow; last mile to lake, trail is obscured by standing water and trail erosion so navigation skills are required. The campsites around the lake are mostly melted out.
Foothills
Wilderness Trails
Middle Fork Trail
6/9 - Second stream crossing after heading south towards Redwood Meadow not crossable; all other creeks were okay to cross; There has been a bear hanging out near Mehrton Creek.
6/23 - Redwood Meadow area. This route has bridges over all creeks except Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout crossing has been for the last week consistently 1.5 ft deep, somewhat swift with no white water if crossed 15ft upstream of the trail. River Valley is very high and very swift at this time as is the lower Granite Creek crossing.
6/29 - Crossing the Middle Fork, coming up from the Middle Fork trail from Redwood Meadow to Bearpaw hikers should go up stream 50-100 yards, the river there is 1.5 to 2.5 feet deep the crossing there is wider. Lone Pine Creek to Tamarrack crossing can be done .5 to 1 mile upstream the water there is 1.5 ft deep. The other creeks from Cresant Meadow to BearPaw have gone donw significantly, no snow until Hamilton Lakes. Many people getting stopped at the blow out.
7/15 - this trail is significantly impacted by high temperatures and caution is advised to hikers; start early in the day during cooler temperatures. Drink plenty of water and eat salty snacks along the way to stay hydrated.
Garfield Grove Trail (South Fork)
5/31 - Snow free to Garfield Grove. All creek crossings are below top of boot. Approximately 25 trees down between Snowslide Creek and Garfiled Grove. There is poison oak on the trail but it is aviodable if you are careful and can ID.
Ladybug Trail (South Fork)
5/8 - Several trees have fallen across the trail, but almost all are passable without having to go around. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff.
Lower Colony Mill Trail (North Fork)
No report available at this time.
Frontcountry Trails
Marble Falls
Unremarkable.
Paradise Creek
5/8- Be cautious of potential hazard trees that may drop branches or fall. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff.
Mineral King and Kern Canyon
Mineral King Road is now open for the season.
Wilderness Trails
Paradise Ridge Trail
6/17 - Trail is effectively snow free (hand full of small patches on the trail) until the trail heads down the north side. Here, snow pack jumps to 80% coverage at ~3 feet deep as far as we could see (~200m down N slope). The north slope has lots of downed logs and boulders indicating potential snow bridges, thin spots and generally hazardous snow travel conditions when considering higher temps and melting rate. By this time next week snow pack on the trail may still be questionable in spots, but there was a developing network of exposed ground allowing for travel between and around snowfields.
6/27 - Paradise Ridge is snow free with two short 10 foot sections of snow near Little Sand Meadow. Ten Logs are crossing the trail within the first 4.5 miles but are easily walked around, trail is not open to stock. Remaining trail is clear to Cliff Creek. Cliff Creek is impassable white water.
6/30 - Paradise Ridge trail, north slope to Little Sand, visible trail, no technical gear or navigation required.
7/8 - The log bridge that hikers have been using is not a viable crossing the water at Cliff creek is high whitewater and falling off the log would have severe consequences. Hikers should try to find an alternative crossing
Timber Gap
6/14 - Patchy snow starts approximately 1/3 mile from Sawtooth/Timber Gap Jct. 100% snow coverage starts 1/3 mile from top of Timber Gap. Large tree about 1/2 mile and 1 mile from Sawtooth/Sawtooth Jct. All creek crossings on trail are crossable with water up to ankle/shins.
6/20 - No snow until 1/3 mile from Timber Gap. Full snow coverage 1/3 mile from Gap (9300 ft). Snow depth at Timber Gap is 4.5 feet. Creek crossings are ankle-deep. 3 downed trees between the trailhead and Timber Gap.
6/29 - Minimal patchy snow starting approximately 1/3 mile from the top of Timber Gap. 65 % snow coverage at the top. There are multiple but few places to camp without being in snow. Steep snow on north side of Timber Gap for about three quarters of a mile
Tar Gap
6/9 -11 downed trees within first mile. Patchy snow beginning at 1 mile from trailhead. Snow looks deep but is very undercut with the potential to posthole over downed trees and large boulders while attempting to navigate. Mosquito Creek is an easy step-over, but Mineral Creek is a ford with rapids. Look for a wide area to cross. We found a spot that was 1 ft. deep. Trail hard to locate at 1.5 miles.
6/18 - Mineral Creek intersection to Tar Gap trailhead in Cold Springs Campground: Trail snow-free. Four downed trees between Mineral Creek and Mosquito Creek. No downed trees between Mosquito Creek and trailhead. Mosquito Creek crossing is knee-deep and strong.
7/5 - All stream crossings 1-2 feet deep and swift; crossings navigable with rocks/logs and using extreme caution; expect snow above 8700'; both trails have multiple downed trees and the mosquitoes have arrived at Hockett Meadow.
Black Rock Pass
6/11 - As viewed from Glacier Pass: south face is 90% covered in snow. Ice axe/crampons required.
6/26 - As viewed from Sawtooth Ridge: South side is 75% covered in snow. Very steep angle. Ice axe/crampons required.
7/6 - Black Rock pass is clear of snow. Trail heading east has approximately 70% snow covered. Trail heading west is approximately 50% snow covered.
Glacier Pass
6/11 -Trail from Monarch Lake to Glacier Pass is fully covered in snow aside from one bare section (30 yards wide by 100 yards long) 5 yards from Glacier Pass. Snow depth at pass is 4 feet. North side of pass is fully covered in snow and very steep. Ice ax/crampons required.
6/26 - As viewed from Sawtooth Ridge: South side has patchy snow coverage, steep angle. North slope has 100% snow coverage.
7/12 -
Glacier Pass - East side, dangerous cornice not recommended; Sawtooth east side 30% snow coverage, west side 100% snow coverage ice ax/crampons required; Columbine Lake 100% snow coverage, Upper/Lower Monarch 100% snow coverage. Bear Box buried not accessible due to deep snow; Crystal Lake/Monarch Lake junction to Lower Monarch Lake - last 1/2 mile 70% snow coverage, very steep angle, ice ax/ crampons are required. Switchbacks from Groundhog Meadow to Crystal Lake/Monarch Lake Trail Junction, some patches snow, crampons recommended; trail not stock passable due to blowout about 1/2 way up the switch backs; Creek crossing at Groundhog Meadows at 1030am was calf deep and swift.
Sawtooth Pass
7/6 - Trail from Little 5 to Big 5 and Lost Canyon is approximately 75% snow covered.
7/12 - Sawtooth east side 30% snow coverage, west side 100% snow coverage ice ax/crampons required; Columbine Lake 100% snow coverage, Upper/Lower Monarch 100% snow coverage. Bear Box buried not accessible due to deep snow; Crystal Lake/Monarch Lake junction to Lower Monarch Lake - last 1/2 mile 70% snow coverage, very steep angle, ice ax/ crampons are required. Switchbacks from Groundhog Meadow to Crystal Lake/Monarch Lake Trail Junction, some patches snow, crampons recommended; trail not stock passable due to blowout about 1/2 way up the switch backs; Creek crossing at Groundhog Meadows at 1030am was calf deep and swift.
Farewell Gap
6/6 - Crystal Creek crossing at .7 miles is shallow, just above the ankles and 40 ft. across in the morning. Patchy snow begins around 1 mile and increases shortly thereafter. A few wide, low-to-mid-angle snow fields beginning at 1.25 miles. Franklin Creek at 1.5 miles is strong, swift, knee-high and 10 ft. across.
6/15 - Crystal creek crossing is same. Franklin Creek crossing is thigh-deep and strong at 2:00 pm (just above the knees and strong at 11:00 hours). Minimal patchy snow starts 1.5 miles from trailhead (8,200ft) and goes to 2.5 miles from trailhead (9,000ft)- 5% of trail is snow covered- no equipment needed. Full snow starts at 9000ft- 90% of the trail is covered in snow and at a steep angle- crampons/ice axe strongly recommended. Farewell Gap/Franklin Lakes junction sign is clear. Visitors reported on 6/10/19 that cornice at Farewell Gap was 30-40 feet (I suspect about 50% has melted/broken off by now). Snow depth at an arbitrary point 50 yards west of junction sign is 5' deep.
Franklin Lakes and Franklin Pass
7/6 - Franklin Creek is 1 foot deep but swift, caution advised. Patchy snow starting 1/4 mile before junction. From junction to Lower Franklin Lake, large sections of patchy snow; crampons advised in morning for firm snow. Other than this the trail is mostly snow free. No snow at Lower Franklin. Lake is 40% ice covered.
7/7 - Franklin Creek is 1' deep but swift, caution advised. Patchy snow starting 1/4 mile before junction. From Jct to Lower Franklin, large sections of patchy snow; crampons advised in morning for firm snow. Other than this the trail is mostly snow free. No snow at Lower Franklin. Lake is 40% ice covered.
7/7 - West side Franklin Pass, 60% snow covered; east side Franklin Pass 80% snow covered; snow depth at top of pass is 7 feet; north side of Shotgun Pass is 80% snow covered. Soda Creek/Rattlesnake snow line around 10,400'; Forester Lake snow free.
White Chief, Eagle Lake, and Mosquito Lakes
7/8 -
Patchy minimal snow at second junction; sign is visible; trail is visible and easy to follow. 50% snow coverage last 1/2 mile to lake; patchy minimal snow around lake and 25% ice cover on the lake.
7/18 -
Trail to Eagle Lake is snow-free. Camping area around Eagle Lake is snow-free. Trail to Mosquito Lakes is snow-free. No snow until Lake #4. Minimal patchy snow between Lakes 4 and 5.
Atwell/Hockett Trail
6/19 -
Free of snow to Clover Creek. Deer Creek and Clover Creek are approximately 3 feet deep and very dangerous. Advise extreme caution.
6/21 -
39 downed trees, one section has deteriorated so it is too narrow for stock passage (stock not advised at this time); Deer creek 2' deep, crossable; Clover Creek, Corner Creek and Horse Creek all reported as swift and dangerous but a downed log crossing is available near each creek - caution is advised if attempting. Beyond Horse Creek trail is snow covered until Hockett Plateau. Hockett Meadow is covered with 95% standing water.
6/23 -
Hockett Lakes is 80% snow covered. South Fork of Kaweah crossing above Garfield Grove is 3-5 feet deep; skilled users may be able to cross at widest part where flow is slowest.
7/5 -
All stream crossings 1-2 feet deep and swift; crossings navigable with rocks/logs and using extreme caution; expect snow above 8700'; both trails have multiple downed trees and the mosquitoes have arrived at Hockett Meadow.
7/9 - Evelyn Lake/Cahoon Rock are clear of snow. Blossom Lakes has a few snow patches above 9500 ft. otherwise trail is clear to Sand/South fork Meadow. Trail clear but still very wet.
Sierra Crest and East Side (Inyo National Forest)
For more information on trails starting on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, contact the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Office at (760) 873-2483.
Bishop Pass/Dusy Basin
6/20 - East side of Bishop Pass 90% snow covered. Route finding required-no clear bootpack. Park side 100% snow until the lip of Dusy Basin. Ice axe and traction devices recommended.
Dusy Creek fluctuating. Not recommended especially in PM. Rangers skipped both crossings and walked parallel to creek.
7/17 -
Long Lake 75% snow coverage on trail. Ice Ax and crampons not necessary. Treking poles and Micorspikes recommended in the morning. The top of the pass has melted out.
7/17 -
Upper Dusy, 2 miles of trail snow covered, route finding nesessary. Boot back is hard to follow. Water crossing between Le Conte and Foot Bridge, is recommend to cross up stream 50ft through willows, water is still above knee level.
Evolution Basin
7/9 - The alternate crossing for Evolution Creek is 28 inches deep and unremarkable. The established crossing is not advised at this time. Hikers are asked to avoid the mud when using the alternate crossing and hike alongside in the forested area.
Darwin Canyon is still 55-60% snow covered.
7/12 -
Hikers using alternate Evolution Creek crossing in meadow are urged to travel through forest to avoid trampling muddy area in the meadow.
Mather Pass
6/20 - From Pinchot to Mather. Ice axe and crampons recommended for both of those passes.
7/4 -
N. Side of pass has 100% snow coverage down to Palisade Lakes. S.side is mostly melted, hikers should follow snowfield that covers the switchbacks. Previously reported cornice is no longer an issue as it has melted out. S. Fork of the Kings crossing is not recommend at this time, it is very high and swift whitewater. 1.5 miles upstream there is a better crossing.
7/12 - The north side of Mather Pass is 100% snow covered; traction aides and ice axes are recommended. The south side of Mather Pass has some snow which might be melted out within another week.
Upper Basin
No report available at this time.
Piute Pass
No report available at this time.
Muir Pass
6/27-
South Side Muir Pass 100% snow coverage from 10,700 ft up. There is some boot pack but it will turn unsafe as it melts out. Route finding skills and winter travel skills reommended.
6/27-
Palisade Creek Crossing near the MIddle Fork and JMT there is 3-4 feet of very swift water. Not recommended to cross anywhere near the establishied crossing.
7/18 -
Just before Lake at 10,900 ft, there is 65% snow coverage on the south side, heading up to Helen Lake. Hikers should use the trail as much as possible as the bootpack is becoming inconsistant and water is flowing underneath in spots. Snow Bridges melting out soon. From Helen Lake up to Muir Pass 100% snow coverage.
Lamarck Col
No report available at this time.
Pinchot Pass
6/20 - From Pinchot to Mather. Ice axe and crampons recommended for both of those passes.
7/12 - Both sides of Pinchot Pass 75% snow covered and crampons/ice ax are recommended.
Sawmill Pass
No report available at this time.
Taboose Pass
6/20 -
East side mostly snow free with patches until 10,500 ft. Creek fluctuating and swift. Traction devices and ice axe may be needed if the snow is frozen. Park side of Taboose is 100% snow covered. From Pinchot to Mather. Ice axe and crampons recommended for both of those passes.
7/6 - From junction with PCT, first mile is 60% snow covered but easy to follow. 100% snow coverage after first mile. On the final 1/2 mile, the steeper slopes have melted out but the trail is still snowy. Taboose Creek (lower crossing) is knee deep and swift. Use extreme caution if attempting to cross.
7/16 - The west side of Taboose Pass is mostly snow free. The east side of Taboose Pass is also mostly clear of snow with the exception of several large snow fields about 1 mile from the top of the pass; it is not stock passable at this time. An ice ax and traction devices are recommended for those attempting this section of trail.
Baxter Pass
No report available at this time.
Kearsarge Pass
7/4 - The High trail is 30% snow covered, but there is no longer exposed snow field over the trail. The Kearsarge Lakes trail is 30% snow covered. Neither the high trail or the lakes trail is stock passable. East side of Kearsage Pass is 40% snow covered above Gilbert Lake.
7/12 - The steepest sections on the east and west side of the pass are free of snow; east of the crest, expect snow between Big Pothole and Heart Lake which will require route finding. On the high trail, a few patches of snow remain. The low trail is mostly melted out.
7/18 -
Kearsrge Pass low trail is stock passable. The high trail is not stock passable due to snowfield. This may melt out in 7-10 days. Half way between the Pass and the JMT junction there is a large boulder on the high trail. The boulder is about 2 feet into the 5 foot trail corrider. Stock may be able to squeak by but the sides are steep. Smaller boulder At the Kearsarge Lakes Junction on the switches that can be removed by a rock bar.
There is access to Charlotte Lake from the Kearsarge Lakes trail .
Forester Pass
6/24 - Switchbacks on the South side of Forester pass has a 50' long steep snow chute. Ice axe and crampons strongly recommended as well as an early start, as the snow gets soft in the afternooon. JMT North of Tyndall is 100% snow covered. Tyndall Creek crossing at the trail is not recommended, alternative crossings advised.
7/1 - JMT south of Vidette to Northside of Forester pass, 10,000 patchy snow, 11,000 80% snow coverage ice ax and crampons required.
Junction Meadow to Viddette snow free and stock passable
7/4 - Route finding skills are required much of the trail is obscured by snow.
7/13 - The south side of Forester Pass still has 75% snow coverage at or above 12500' with several steep sections. Ice ax, crampons, and snow experience required.
7/15 - The north side of Forester Pass still has patchy snow above 11,300' with continuous snow beginning shortly after that elevation. About half of the trail is snow free and some route finding will be required. Traction devices are recommended in the morning when snow conditions are icy.
Shepherd Pass
6/7 - Shephards Pass trail- West side 100% snow covered to JMT junction. East side has steep snow at the Pass, crampons ice ax recomended. Snow to 10500',then bare down to the trailhead.
6/23 - West side of pass is 100% snowcovered; East side still has a steep snowfield at the top; snowskills, ice ax/crampons recommended.
Mount Whitney Trail
6/17 - Snow and ice travel skills and equipment required. Mountaineering skills/route finding required. Trail from Guitar Lake to summit 90% snow covered, requiring travel over steep, slick snow fields.Shallow to deep snow and ice between Trail Crest and summit. Deep snow on Inyo NF side of Trail Crest and in the Whitney Creek drainage.
6/24 - West side has 70% snow coverage from Timberline Lake to the switchbacks. There is 30% snow coverage from the switchbacks to the summit. There are steep sections requiring ice ax, crampons and mountaineering experience. On the Eastside is more technical, requiring ice ax and mountaineering experience. From Trail Camp to Trail Crest there is 100% snow coverage. Not the recommended route. The snowfield from Trail Crest to Trail Camp is the recommended route. Caution is strongly advised for this trek.
7/12 - Crabtree to Guitar Lake is snow free. Guitar Lake to the Summit still has a few steep patches of snow on the switchbacks which can be avoided by class 2 terrain. Snow persists until 200' below the summit, low angle.
7/15 - The "99-Switchback route" is the recommended route at this time; trekking poles and traction devices for hiking boots recommended as a few patches of snow cannot be safely avoided on the switchbacks.
Mt Langley
7/1 - The carined route, the lowest section to 13,200 ft there are several large snowfields that can be avoided by going around to the east into some skree. Above 13,200ft snow free.
7/4 - Junction to Soldier Lakes and up there is water in braided sections that is going over the trail, but still passable. Field of suncup snow with water on trail but still doable. A snow field about a football field wide is covering some of the carined route. Hikers should curve to the left to find the carined route. No Ice ax and crampons neccisary at this time.
John Muir Trail (JMT)
.
7/12 - South Fork Kings River Crossing: trail crossing remains hazardous; travel upstream 1-1.5 miles for safe crossing alternatives.
7/18 -
Wright Creek is passable at the trail crossing. Water is knee deep.
Army Pass
6/15 - West side (in park): 80% snow covered to New Army Pass Trail. East side (FS side) extremely steep long snowfield; ice ax/crampons/route finding required.
7/1 - East side (USFS): Several large high angle snowfields. Ice ax and crampons required. Westside 30% snow coverage to Army pass trail no special equipment necessary.
New Army Pass
6/15 - North side of pass to Solider Lake trail jct: 90% snow covered; no special equipment advised. South side (FS side) has a 150' high angle snow field requiring ice ax/crampons/route finding.
7/1 - South side (USFS): 100ft high angle snowfield and cornice, ice ax and crampons and mountaineering required. Northside 50% snow covergae to Army Creek, no special equipment necessary.
Cottonwood Pass
6/7 - Horseshoe Meadows to the PCT via Cottonwood Pass is 90% snow covered, use caution; no special equipment advised other than traction devices.
6/20 - East side has several steep snow pathces near the top of the pass. Caution and traction aids are advised, though not essential. Not stock passable at this time. West side has 50% snow coverage, route finding skills necessary.
7/4 - Stock passable from Cottonwood Pass to New Army, but no further than that. PCT up to Soldier Lakes is stock passable with one small tree that needs to be cut out.
7/8 - The pass is still not stock accessible, one large thick patch of snow 15' across and 3' deep on top of the pass. Just above Chicken Springs Lake to park boundary sign 4 larger patches of snow that is melting out in boulder fields.
Kern Canyon
6/12 - From Kern Ranger Station to Laurel Creek there are 6 trees down, not stock passable. Trail is flooded in many places. Laurel Creek crossing is shin-deep and moderately swift. Rattlesnake Creek crossing is very swift and deep, not recommended. The log crossing upstream is wet and hazardous, also not recommended. There are many trees down from Jerky Meadow (Sequoia National Forest) to the Kern Station, 4 of which are not stock-passable.
7/4 - There are multiple large logs along the Kern. That are to be logged out, not stock passble from Kern Station to Rattlesnke Creek Jctn. Lewis Camp to Kern RS is stock passable.
Guyot Pass
6/7 - Approximately 70% snow cover from Rock Creek to Guyot pass; all stream crossings on PCT are deep and swift; extreme caution advised; alternate crossings or routes may be necessary.
Rock Creek
6/7 - Guyot Pass to Rock Creek
90% snow covered to Crabtree; all stream crossings on PCT are deep and swift; extreme caution advised; alternate crossings or routes may be necessary.
6/26 - Water is high and swift; cross up or downstream of the trail only. Reports of alternate crossings available (downed logs). Recommended to look for braids, logs, or wider areas before attempting crossing. At Nathan's Meadow, the crossing is high and deep. Expect water levels at 3 feet. Downstream there is log debris. At Rock Lake crossing, wade with caution, water is up to 3 feet deep. Trail crossing is recommonded in this area.
7/4 - The PCT between Rock Creek and Tyndall is snow free. There are sporadic 5-10 foot snowfields, stock passable. Rivers unchanged since last report.
Siberian Pass
7/6 - PCT to Siberian Pass there are several deep but short sections of snow remaining on the trail; stock travel is not advised.
