Snow Lake (Alpental) - Conditions?

[mplutodh1]

Planning an overnight at Snow Lake for next weekend, curious if anyone has been out in the area recently and what conditions are like.

 

Debating the snowshoes, but if the Yak's will cut it - probably preferred!

[CaleHoopes]

Seriously be mindful of the avalanche conditions - right now it's really nasty in the mountains and the snow lake trail is one of those very dangerous places. As the weather heats up this week, look for even more slides. NWAC has some info about the snowpack on their website - check it before heading out. http://www.nwac.us

[EscalarK2]

Snow is pretty deep still, you will need some sort of flotation device for sure.

[mplutodh1]

Good to know, thanks guys.

 

Yeah, we're watching the avy conditions.

[Dane]

Raining up there right now. Isothermic snow conditions into the parking lot including the cat track out of the upper lot. With no skis and I was into my knees on the freaking cat track!

 

Even my dog was faltering so I wasn't there long.

 

Snow level from last night was down to 3000' with an inch or two of new snow. Snow level at 4PM today was around 4000' by the look of it with several inches up higher.

 

I am looking for sunshine and cooler temps. We should have both tomorrow.

[mplutodh1]

Thanks Dane! Appreciate the detail. We'll be watching the weather and gearing up appropriately. Hoping for a nice getaway.

[Frankazoid]

A hike up the middle fork trail to Goldmeyer hot springs, and camping there might make for a very pleasent and safe trip right now. (it's always nice there)

 

[chris]

Climax avalanche events from higher on the mountain can end up in Source Lake, and several slides this winter reached the lake too. I recommend taking the time to hike up and camp on the Snow Lake divide (45 minutes) or even down and on the south shore of Snow Lake (another 30 minutes) instead.