Blog #3: Let’s Talk About Snow…
Each year as the hiking season approaches, thru-hikers begin watching the weather. They’re trying to figure out, as early as possible, if this will be a dry year, a snowy year, a hot year, a cold one… These factors all make huge differences in the type of hike that everyone has, as well as the gear one might take. It also affects different aspects of safety and risk management.
This year is turning out to be quite a special year, in that there is a record-breaking snowpack in California. Because of this, the amount of trail snow is significantly higher than an average year. Hikers starting early in the season will likely end up dealing with a wet and cold trail, snowy/icy conditions, potential for avalanche risk at higher elevations, and the potential need to melt snow for water, as rivers could be frozen over. Hikers starting later in the season may deal with significant water levels when fording rivers (making them dangerous and potentially impassable) as well as navigating a washed out trail from so much snow melt. Later hikers will also have the added challenge of a hotter trail, particularly in the desert and northern California, eventually adding wildfires as a risk starting around July.
I will be starting in between those two timeframes, so there’s a good chance I’ll be experiencing a little bit of each. Timing when I’ll be going into higher elevations will be important, and continuing to assess trail conditions that are ahead of me will be a very large part of my thru-hike. In the desert, which is the first 700 miles of the trail, the average elevation is around 5000 feet. My hope is that by the time I start, most of the snow will be above the 7000-8000 feet mark, keeping most of the desert trail dry. This was the case in 2017, the last record snow year, around the same time that I’ll be starting. But with my start date still weeks away, it will just be a waiting game to see how conditions change.
So how am I managing the risks of this record-breaking year? At the time being, I am watching the weather daily and reading trail reports on conditions. I’m mentally and physically preparing to help me make good decisions and be able to handle the conditions I encounter. I’m also going into this hike knowing that I may end up needing to do what is called a “flip-flop” thru-hike. This refers to skipping ahead of particularly sketchy sections of trail, continuing to hike, and then coming back to fill in the section that was missed when conditions are more favorable. It’s very possible that many hikers in 2023 will not have a traditional northbound thru-hike straight from mile 0 at the Mexican border right to the end at the Canadian border, but that’s what makes each year different and interesting.
As I get out on trail this year I’ll be able to start making decisions for my skill level and what I’m comfortable with. While a thru-hike involves inherent risks, it doesn’t need to result in uncalculated or unnecessary ones. I’ll be working hard to make the best decisions for the location I’m in (or heading toward) based on the conditions at that time.
I think a common misconception about thru-hiking is that you’ll be in completely remote wilderness without information about what is ahead of you. In today’s world, this is simply not the case. If you’re interested in reading on, I go over a couple pieces of technology I’ll be using for safety while on trail this year.
GARMIN GPS DEVICE
I’ll be carrying a Garmin GPS device with SOS functionality. At its basic function, I’m able to press a button to call for help, alerting Search and Rescue teams in the area that I’m in need. With the device that I have (Garmin InReach Mini) I’ll actually be able to connect it to my phone via Bluetooth and communicate through text with a Search and Rescue team, thereby arming them with more information about my situation.
The Garmin InReach Mini also allows my husband to track my GPS location as well as receive preset messages from me through the device. I’m also able to connect to the device with an app on my phone to send personalized messages when I might want to provide him with more detailed information.
Lastly, I’ll be able to download the weather daily. This will be particularly helpful in sections where I do not have cell service and would like an updated forecast for the days ahead.
FAROUT APP
To navigate for most of the trail, I’ll be using an app called FarOut. It’s a fantastic app that allows me to download sections of the trail map and see my GPS location on the map. The app has tons of functionalities, but some great ones to mention are:
Detailed trail map with side trails and alternate options shown
Comprehensive town guides with detailed information
Elevation profile
Waypoint list (camping, water, town, peaks, shelters, hazards, etc)
User comments on waypoints, giving the next hiker to come through up-to-date information. This is particularly useful and a safety feature when it comes to water sources or hazardous trail conditions
Besides these pieces of technology, I’ll also have word of mouth information from other hikers on trail. This can come from hikers going in the opposite direction than me who I pass and can tell me about what’s ahead. This can come from Facebook groups I’m a part of where individuals can post about what they’ve experienced and the trail’s condition. This can come from locals in the area, Trail Angels, and my own eyes and ears. Listening to my own gut and instincts will be most important. I also plan to hike with others, which will aid in decision-making and will help to keep each other safe. I’ve been a part of the PCT Class of 2023 Facebook group and several other PCT groups for a few months and have already been able to witness some of the amazing comradery thru-hikers have with one another. They will always look out for one another.
There are a few other online resources that I’ve been using as my start date approaches. I’ll continue to use these while I’m on trail. Check them out if you’re interested:
The PCT this year will be a unique experience for all involved. While everyone would love to have a stress-free hike, we all know that won’t be possible, no matter what year it is. Each year comes with its own challenges and difficulties, but along with those struggles comes beauty and elation. My start date is still weeks away, and the “sketchier” parts of trail even further away, so the best I can do for now is physically prepare and arm myself with knowledge. If you have any questions about snow or trail conditions, leave me a comment below and I’ll be happy to answer as best I can and provide any extra resources. Thanks for reading!
