Typical conditions guestimate request

[robpollard]

I just sent off for my yearly trip permit. This time we're planning on an earlier trip (hoping there will be a little snow left) - planning for mid May. Based on current conditions, any predictions on snow conditions in three weeks (how could we possibly get any more???). It seems to be a bit snowier this year, and I'm hoping I'm not too early, needing gear to the top is not what I'm shooting for.

Any educated guesses appreciated

[skunkboy]

It rained in Morongo Valley this afternoon, and the mountains were socked in. Don't know how much snow fell, but Mother Nature is staging a late winter assault on us. The desert has that good healthy smell it gets after a rainstorm passes through. Supposed to get hot over the next few days, then maybe one last storm before summer type weather comes. This is sure to freak out the PCT'ers who are probably milling around the border right now. Break out the Petzl's. Southern California still knows how to throw a Sandy Koufax curve ball when it comes to weather once in a while.
An educated guess? Probably a lot of post-holing. What this will do for hiking is probably make things harder. Anyone have any guesses for Skyline or SC these next two weeks?

[SDathlete]

Here in the San Diego mountains we got about a foot of new snow from yesterday's storm. So you can bet that the San Bernardino, San Jac and Santa Rosa mountains probably got more than that! It's just gonna be sloppy and messy for the next SEVERAL weeks with this late winter season!

link/pics of SD mountain snow

[/url] http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-b ... 20944.html

[zippetydude]

Hi rob. It's true, there's a bunch of snow, including some fresh stuff up there right now. Still, once it warms up, the snow softens up amazingly quickly, so you'll probably be on crispy snow if you're above 9000 early in the morning, then slushy snow in the late morning and afternoon. My plan is usually to get up to the peak as early as possible, then glissade (bring snow pants!) on the way down when it gets slushy. Hope you guys have fun.

z

[robpollard]

Thanks for the feedback Z, good info. I'm going to keep an eye on the board here for updates on conditions. We're looking forward to a fun trip.

rp