[pct-l] BIG SNOW/Problems for 2005 PCT hikers.

[brandt at snf.stanford.edu (Karl Brandt)]

The cover to the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is reported to have
a message on its cover, in a very reassuring font, that says it best, 
"Don't Panic!" It's not that I'm saying you're panicking but I just like
referring to that book. :-)

Seriously though, it's too early to tell what the conditions will be like
come June, when most thru-hikers hit the southern Sierras. About this date
in 1997, I was very worried about all the snow accumulations, which were
higher than this year's, and it turned out to be a very average year.
We've had several light to moderate years so it's easy to forget that in
normal years, it dumps on the Sierras for a few months. 

AZDPCTKO is such a big logistical undertaking that it is extremely
unlikely to be rescheduled. It's true that you might get stuck hanging
around the southern Sierras for up even 3 or 4 weeks waiting for the snow
to melt. If I had that "problem" I'd head for the lower elevations of the
western Sierras and start exploring. 

It's good to think through all the possible scenarios for your future
hike. But rest assured, every year has to deal with their own unique
problems. No matter how much you prepare, you'll be surprised by something
out there, snow, fire, locus; who knows what. Keep asking good questions
and try not to worry too much about what might be facing you out there.

-Karl

*********************************************************************
Karl "Birdman" Brandt PCT97 LT98                    
http://people.ucsc.edu/~kbrandt/

On Tue, 11 Jan 2005, Jason Waicunas wrote:

> If the level of precipitation continues to fall in CA, how much of a delay 
> should 2005 PCT thru-hikers consider before attempting to trek through the 
> Sierra's?  Also, won't a "heavy snow year" cause wash-out's of trail 
> sections and make fording streams much more dangerous?  Could this continued 
> weather pattern push the AZDPCTKO to a later date?  If hikers are planning 
> on catching a ride from the kick-off to Mexico and begin their hike around 
> April 24, will they have to sit around for weeks before trying to hike the 
> Sierra's after completing the SoCal desert section?
> Thanks,
> -Jason Waicunas
> 
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