Happy Mother's Day! I spent this weekend in Central Oregon with my folks, enjoying Mother’s Day with my Mom. Didn’t really get out hiking, but did enjoy some nice scenery, especially around the Smith Rocks State Park area.
Last Friday night I went to hike leader’s pizza party at the Mountaineer’s Program Center. I had a nice evening catching up with some folks I hadn’t seen for awhile. The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Gary Paull, Wilderness and Trail Coordinator for Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Gary talked about the current snow conditions in the mountains as well as summer road closures in his area. In my blog this week, I want to review some of his comments.
According to SNOTEL measurements taken at Lyman Lake in Chelan County, this is one the deepest snowpacks we've had in the last 11-12 years. As of May 7th, there is still 178 inches of snow up at the Lake, which is at almost 6000 feet. To put that in perspective, at the same time last year there was 141 inches. And 2010 was considered a good snowpack year! Needless to say, we’re going to be experiencing later trail melt out this year—even later than last year—when I was bemoaning the lack of great trails to hike on in June because they were all still snow-covered. Oh well!
Gary also talked about work being done on trails and access roads in his district. Whether you agree with the federal stimulus package or not, lots of that money is being used to work on trails and access roads this year. For more detailed information on projects in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, click on this link. Many prime spots, especially in the Glacier Peak Wilderness area will be tough to impossible to get to this summer, but—Lord willing and the creek don’t rise—will be available to hike next summer.
Have a great week I hope to hike with you soon.
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