back country scouting.

[Instinct]

Was curious on when it would be wise to start scouting in the back country. Is there still a lot of snow around the white pass area? From the cameras from wsdot.gov, looks like the snow melted off but doesnt show under the trees how much is still left.

[Sunbkpk]

You can check out the snow depth at Washington SNOTEL sites at this webpage. Looks like near White Pass the snow is almost gone at 4500 feet but quite a bit left at 5800 feet elevation. It will vary with how far from the crest you are at and North or South slopes as well.

http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/Washington/washington.html

[brocka]

Snotel is excellent. I would say this year mid July is when you should be able to get into the backcountry snow free.

[Ridgerunner]

Based on what I saw this weekend there is significantly less snow this year than last, let's hope for more hot weather and more rapid melt off do the high country opens up fast!

[MLHSN]

Based on what I saw this weekend there is significantly less snow this year than last, let's hope for more hot weather and more rapid melt off do the high country opens up fast!

Ditto That.  Snow is flying up the hillsides.  Went in scouting this weekend.  About 8 mi. back.  Ibet we are about three weeks on snow melt this year.  Saw 3 bears, some deer, and a dozen elk.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Based on what I saw this weekend there is significantly less snow this year than last, let's hope for more hot weather and more rapid melt off do the high country opens up fast!

There is more snow in my haunt.... Even on the west facing slopes of the north cascades on the east side above Mazama. I was quite surprised that I couldn't even drive to places I did last year at the same time.
 
-Steve

[buglebuster]

You aren't getting into where we talked about untill late June- early July.

[Instinct]

Ok so still got some time. Ugh startin to get ancy want to get up in the country an start testin ou :bdid:t the body!

[actionshooter]

I think it really depends on where you are. I went into ALW this weekend and was basically snowbound at 3600' but the south facing peaks were clean up to 5500'

 I did get to see 3 bears and a couple of elk.

 I am really starting to get excited for this year!