Massive snowfall in California could replenish depleted reservoirs and help mitigate wildfires. But it could also throw a wrench in the works for Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers.
In December 2021, 212 inches of snow (or 17.5 feet) buried the Lake Tahoe, California area. An average snow season for the area — which lasts about 6 months — yields 272 inches.
The record-breaking deluge follows a year of record drought and promises a wide array of both positive and negative outcomes. On Dec. 30, the region’s snowpack sat at 202% of its average for the date. If the snowfall keeps up its current pace, it could refill parched waterways and help remediate summer wildfires.
The heavy snowfall has also produced an active avalanche season and caused significant road closures. Later this summer, the snow could pose a wide array of consequences for thru-hikers on the popular Pacific Crest Trail.
Heavy Snow Adds Risk to Mountain Passes and River Crossings
Northbound PCT thru-hikers start between March and May, and the earliest starters arrive in the Sierra Nevada around June. After a heavy snow year, they can encounter either prohibitive snowpack at mountain passes or dangerous crossings at engorged rivers.
If this winter’s heavy Sierra snowstorms continue, hikers arriving at the range relatively late might find swollen crossings. On the other hand, early arrivals could encounter problematically dense snowpack.
According to PCT hiker Aaron Grafing (trail name Blue Beard), either scenario could derail a hike in a multitude of ways.
“If it looks like it’s going to be a snow year like 2017, [hikers] might be looking at the equivalent of technical mountaineering on snow [to get through some passes],” said Grafing.
He also pointed out that snowbound trails can prove impassible. While it’s almost always possible to turn around and hike out of a sticky situation, the added time and expense can destroy a thru-hike bid.
“Say it’s nasty in Kings Canyon. If you turn around and hike out, you’re probably looking at two extra days,” Grafing said. “And if it’s impassible, you might hitch a ride up to Sonora Pass, which is the end of the Sierras. Then, you’d have to try to come back for the section you missed after you finished in Washington.”
Most thru-hikes exist on tight budgets and schedules, so a big, unplanned detour can compromise either one.
Regardless of whether or not a hiker covers the trail’s full distance, melting snow still poses the biggest objective safety hazard. It’s more likely to take a bad fall on a slick, icy trail than on a dry one. Thru-hikers also travel light as a general rule, and cold, wet weather can pose an added risk when you’re less equipped to protect yourself against it.
Statistically, fording a river after a big snow year is one of the most deadly things a hiker can do on the PCT.
