Sierra hikers often struggle to find accurate information on trail conditions and weather. Fewer and fewer wilderness areas employ rangers who actually travel in the backcountry and can give accurate information on water levels, snowpack, mosquitos, and expected weather. The following is Greg Harford's totally unscientific trail conditions forecast based on years of experience travelling in the Sierra Nevada.

SNOWPACK REPORT for Mid-April

The last snow report of the season was conducted at the end of March.  The statewide average was 101% of normal.  The North Coast and Tulare Lake Basins were 112% of normal.  There was no information given on water content, but the previous measurement was about 70% of normal.  Historically there will be little or no further precipitation.

Over the next two to three months, trailhead and pass openings will be determined by weather temperatures.  If the weather is slightly warmer than normal, many trailheads could open significantly sooner than normal due to the lower water content in the snowpack.

I will begin entering trailheads off Sonora Pass in the middle of May.  I will give specific trail conditions for Emigrant Wilderness and general information for above-treeline elevations as soon as possible.

Happy Trails,

Greg

Other weather resources for the Sierra Nevada:

Mammoth Weather - One of the more accurate weather forcasters for the Sierra Nevada high country.