2010 HIGH SIERRA TRAIL CONDITIONS: (updated regularly)
For additional information, visit the Sequoia National Park website at
http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm#CP_JUMP_115626
CONDITIONS FOR THE JUNE30th TRIP WILL BE POSTED ON 27th
4/15/10 Do not enter the Sequoia Back Country unless you have winter /snow experience and or training.Conditions are difficult. The snowpack is 160% above normal.Experienced Trekkers encountered conditions not seen since 1997 & avalanche's are frequent beyond Bearpaw,It took experienced Backpackers 3 days to reach Bearpaw Ranger Station .No portion of trail is visible.Snow is level with roof of toilets at Crescent Meadow
5/30/10 Memorial Day Week-end
Trail to Merherten Creek is 50% covered .Route-finding skills and winter experience is still required .Ice axes are needed at Nine Mile Creek and Little Nine Mile.The Buck Creek Bridge has been slightly damaged in an Avalanche.
3 staff are working at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp making repairs for Season.
Ice and snow beyond Lone Pine Bridge.No portion of trail is visable above Hamilton Falls Heavy Snow and Ice above the Lake .Extremely dangerous conditions
OVERALL CONDITIONS 6/3/10
Many JMT [John Muir Trail] packers have turned around at lyell Canyon and points South as conditions require extensive route Finding skills. 30 PCT Trekkers are on hold at Kennedy Meadows as conditions in the Whitney Range are extremely hazardous.We estimate that the amount of PCT Thru Hikers to reach the Canadian Border by Sept 1st thru the 15th will be the lowest in many years .If you need re-supplied on either journey ,send us an E.Woods Hole resupplys in Kings Canyon for JMT & PCT require 14 days notice ,Maximum weight 35 lbs.$150.00 thru 8/1/10
1/4/11 Dont even think of going up the HST without extensive winter travel experience,The Snow is wet and plentiful ,there are avalanche dangers above the tunnels ,A group of Sherpas camped at Hamilton several weeks back and we kicked snow of tents at least 5 times a nite,Eagle scout peak /mt Stewart are not stable the snow is heavy and on the move.The entire trail is buried,we do not plan on recon until Feb 14 th at the earliest.If you need info ,send an Email