howdy, I'm planning a trip (solo) to the west side of the Sierra next week, most likely in Kings Canyon or Sequoia. Anyone know how the snow and stream crossings are looking this year? I'm considering Tehipite Valley, which I've done before, or maybe Bubb's Crk or Paradise, which I haven't. I'd really like to do Rae Lakes, but I guess that won't be accessible. Any input and suggestions? thanks!
Last I saw, which was last week, snow level was around 7,000-7500 feet and the snow was melting at about six inches per day in the heat. The means the streams and rivers are really roaring. WE're heading up in early July, and hoping that we won't have too much snow at 8500 feet...
As I remember Paradise Valley, there are no major streams to cross getting there...and depending on where you are going, the same is true of Bubbs Creek--unless you head up to Avalanche Pass.
Paradise was gorgeous today - the river is absolutely mad with white water below, and beautiful and green in the valley. There were backpackers reporting that at the junction with the JMT they were turned back by five feet of snow - some people were wading through all the snow trying to go on through the loop, but that doesn't sound like fun to me.... Bubb's Creek ends at Junction Meadow where the snow covers the trail.
Rainbows were floating about in the eddy pools along the river - we saw them everywhere we looked. Also a lot of snakes, mostly rattlers. Saw a bear crossing the road.
Sequoia is still mostly under snow. Pear and other lakes in ice. I got to Redwood Canyon last week after they finally opened the road - the middle trail is clear and patches of snow around in the shade, both loops likely have snow on the ridges.
The road to Wishon is open - not certain about trails into Crown Valley, tho the snow is melting fast, and seems patchy 6500-7000, more coverage higher, depending on exposure.
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maybe it'll be down to only 4 feet of snow at the junction by the time I get there Thanks for the info. I guess I'm just going to go and enjoy it for whatever it is. Life is always good spent outdoors in a beautiful place. It sounds like it'll be passable for at least the first 12 miles, anyway, and hopefully I can find some nice dayhike sidetrips. Maybe up the Muro Blanco (love that name!) I'd be tempted by the upper Merced drainage, like Daisy reported on, but I've been there a lot and want something new. Still, for anyone else considering a trip this week, I bet the Bunnell Cascade on the Merced is looking glorious right now!
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