The High Sierras are the backbone of California -- nearly 400 miles from North to South -- and about 100 miles from East to West.
Elevations reach as high as 14,900+ -- hundreds of peaks at 10,000' to 13,000'.
Thousands of natural lakes, rivers, plus man made reservoirs to catch run-off for Ag, recreation, and flood control.
John Muir named it the "Range of Light".
Native American's called it home -- Mother.
It is a far cry from the Palm trees, white sand, and beaches that most associate with California.
For those who know, and have traveled widely -- many consider this possibly one of the most magnificent mountain ranges in the world.
It is easy to enjoy the back-country in the middle of summer -- and maybe not see another traveler for a week.
Great article in NY Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/22/us/california-measuring-snowpack.html?emc=eta1&_r=0
Best,
Fred
I'm flying home to SoCal today, and will purposely take a port side window seat just to see the snowpack...albeit from 35,000'....Bill
The Sierras are impressive.
good info on the info
https://aso.jpl.nasa.gov/
Fred ,
We took the snowmobiles to the top of White Bark last weekend and the snow pack is every bit of 20 feet deep on the summit of Mt Givens.....
Excellent report and trip, Jonathan --
When I ran sleds, we would go from the cabin at Huntington up past White Bark Vista -- past where the dog team is buried -- then go West on Sample Meadow Road -- then take the spur up to the lookout on Mt. Tom.
50 mile round trip.
Nothing like the Kaiser Wilderness in the Wintertime.
Few people get to experience it.
When do you think they might open the Kaiser Pass Road this year? I am thinking not before June 1 to the 15th -- depending on what needs are required for repairs involving SCE.
Should be a good year.
Can't wait!
Best,
Fred
From the looks of the road I would be hedging my bets for the second or third week in June.
From about Potter Pass on up the pack is solid and deep.
At the top of Kaiser Pass the pack is like concrete with little melt and probably 13-15 feet!
Plus we have more coming tonight 😎
My sleds are in good shape but getting a little dated. I don't think we could have gotten back to Mt Tom.
My machine is too heavy and Dylan's although it has the long track kit is still just a 440.
We had a fun time riding and a great lunch!
Best,
Jonathan
Thanks for the report, Jonathan...
Best,
Fred