RE: [pct-l] Re: pct-l-digest V1 #1128

["Reynolds, WT" <reynolds@ilan.com>]

A "Light" or "Heavy" snow year is less important than the snow melt. 

I use the page http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/cnrfc/snowmelt.htm to find the peak
date runoff date for the key Sierra Rivers and estimate stream crossings.
This year the KERN [the river that drains the PCT south of Forrester Pass]
is projected to crest on 5/11 [very early] but will not really subside by
6/1.  The San Joaquin will not crest until 5/26 -- about normal. [Evolution
Creek is a tributary of the San Joaquin] while the Kings will also crest
around the same date.

What does this all mean? Well, This year's numbers for the San Joaquin are
about the same as last year's. People crossing Evolution Creek between June
17-20 were describing "taking their life in their hands" and "water up to my
neck". I suspect right now that 2000 should be treated as a normal year
because, although the pack is smaller, the melt is later.

Tom

pS: You are correct. This data is not easily accessable from KM.

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