The Sierra got absolutely hammered over the past few days. We're now at 121% of the April 1 average and 238% above the current normal.
cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/snowapp/swcchart.ac...Posted Jan 23, 2017, 8:25 PM UTC
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cdec.water.ca.gov
Well, we shouldn't be comparing late January snow levels to April snow levels (wait till April to do that). I'm personally not worried about the snow at all. Here's another place where you can see an interactive map of snow levels with historical data: http://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/interactive/html/map.html
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With all this snowfall, I've been wondering if my June 28th entry date (North to South) is too early this year.
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July 4 here, I think we'll be all right. There will be a decent track from the PCT thrus and other early folks, and someone else will always be on the trail around you. I'm bringing a pair of these for peace of mind, along with some OR gaiters and neoprene socks to keep my feet okay in my trail runners. Definitely trying to get away from overthinking/freaking out about the snow, though.
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Yeah it's important to consider the snow conditions, but no good to freak out about it. And I think you're right about the crampons! Haven't even used mine in 3+ years.
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I found this hike diary from a Mid-July to Early-August 2011 hiker. 2011 was the last unusually heavy snow year.
Hope it gives you some insight on the trail conditions.
Tons of snow!
watch that guys river crossing in one of his videos- the water is at least waist deep!
Right! Like, I just learned how to swim!
And he said it was early in the day.
also check out mile, mile and a half. Not sure their exact start date, but it's a documentary on the JMT during July of 2011.
Going northbound would be better on a high snow year because it allows you to get more time hiking on hard packed snow earlier in the day, but I doubt many people are going to change their plans.