2014 Snow Level Thread

[Schrauf]

Elk Meadow itself, just SE of Mt. Hood, is generally clear of snow at 5000 feet, but the trail up from Hwy 35 has drifts up to 3 feet from just past the ridge (at 5200 feet), down to and partially around the meadow. All snow was easy to walk over on June 15 when the temp was about 50 degrees.

I saw several campsites near the meadow that were quite dry and empty of campers.

[sgyoung]

Looking pretty summerlike at Timberline Lodge this morning..

That's a decent amount of snow, it seems. Not being from the area, this seems like it was a strange year in terms of snowfall out by you guys. Am I correct that the Cascade snow pack generally approached normal, but with a lot of late season snow?

[retired jerry]

Snow normal above about 5000 feet. Much below normal below that - all melted out now.

And if you go South, much less snow, like Northern California has little snow left.

[Surridge]

How's the sisters loop looking as far as snow goes? Anyone been up soith sister yet this year w/o snow climbing gear? Thanks

[marval]

I've also been trying to puzzle out current conditions on the "Trail around Three Sisters" and whether or not it might be possible to do it during the 1st week of July without needing to snowcamp or slog through deep snow. Been to many different Internet resources and still don't feel like I have a clear picture.

[retired jerry]

no

wait til August

keep an eye on trip reports

[peaceplease]

Any idea of snow level on Jefferson Park? we are contemplating a trip in couple of weeks (northern approach). Thanks!

[pdxgene]

Any idea of snow level on Jefferson Park? we are contemplating a trip in couple of weeks (northern approach). Thanks!

The Willamette NF site, Detroit Ranger District, is fairly good at updating the conditions every week or two if no one has any first hand experience lately.

[Grannyhiker]

Mark Nelsen on the meltout at the Mt. Hood test site (5400 feet), and timing of meltout over the past 33 years (not getting any earlier): http://www.kptv.com/link/492613/fox-12-weather-blog

Edit, later: A couple of reports from the PCT-L, re the Oregon PCT, especially 3 Sisters and Jefferson: http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermai ... 74849.html

[RobinB]

Anyone been up to the Wallowas lately? We were thinking about heading to Ice Lake.