Snow on Skyline

[Zé]

where is the snow level and depth on the upper parts of skyline? i'd like to let these people know what they're gonna have to deal with

[halhiker]

The tram website says there is still a foot of snow at Long Valley which means that there could be three feet at Coffmans Crag and parts of the traverse.
I did a google search on Cactus to Clouds in May 2010 and was surprised to find large groups going up in mid and late May.
May can be very hot so be sure to get a very early predawn start.

I've always found May to be a good time to go up. The average high in May is 91º with the average low being 65º. Starting at 5 a.m I've always found it quite pleasant.

Of course I watch the forecast and if it's going to be HOT I don't go.

[guest]

Hi,
As most are aware, the available window for Skyline route is narrow this year.
The last couple Saturday's I've noticed the snow melting fast, hitting it at approx. 7,500 ft. at the beginning of the traverse, (where trail heads north).
There were 30-40 ft. patches on steep slopes, requiring steady nerves & good route finding, ( 4 in front of me were heading 50 ft. too low & I alerted them). By the weekend, I'd guess there will only be 30% coverage to Long Valley.
Many on here already know the points I'm referring to below, but for those with little experience on this route, here's some advise:

The snow around 10am was good, there were flat foot prints to use, temps were very pleasant at that elevation. If you want to be safe, carry cramp-ons or micro-spikes (not good in soft snow though), but you may not need them.
With the warm weather, the trail should be doable for those that know the way & have some snow experience.

I've lived & trained in the desert over 20 yrs. & I felt the heat most of the way, but I don't generally start until about 6.

I urge people to carry well over a gallon of liquids, some of it in the form of electrolytes, (& be able to easily get to your water, i.e. a bladder pack). Have good sun protection & coverage, start early & know the route, it has vague spots with all the new over-growth from a good spring, and once in the trees following the route takes diligence in areas.

Remember, if your not in very good condition, aren't able to hike vigorously for 6-10 hrs (for some), in direct sun uphill the whole way, head to an easier trail. Also, if your not having a good day, turn around before getting to far, it's a tough decent, and you will be heading back into hot climate, but it's better than blowing up at 6 or 7K ft..

As many know, there's already been several rescue's on this route in the last couple months, the most recent was just a few days ago.

Be safe, have fun,

ss

[bluerail]

hey scotty, i think you dropped this : .... n't

hope to see you up there soon friend, been missin ya. we need to get some trail time in.

interested in the divide pct anytime soon ?

[guest]

Hi Steve,
Good hearing from you, you've been puttin in the climbing for sure.
What's the :...n't anyway?
Let's talk about the PCT, may be a nice hike.
Hope to hit the trail "which ya" soon
ss

[bluerail]

Remember, if your not in very good condition, are able to hike vigorously for 6-10 hrs (for some),


seemed like it (n't) was missing in this sentence

[guest]

Got it buddy, now that a thousand people read my typo & will probably need to be helioed off the mt.!

ss

[bluerail]

maybe I can get a ride since I pointed out the typo

[Florian]

Looks like snow conditions are pretty good so i'm thinking to go up Sunday starting at 5am. I'll aim to be going down on noon or early afternoon tram so can probably give anyone a lift back to town.

-Florian

[bluerail]

thats good to know..sunday, right ?