Info Request: Big SEKI Conditions?

[ashleyamarsh]

Hi there - We're heading out to attempt the Big SEKI loop clockwise using Kearsarge Pass as our start (due to Roads End closure) staring Labor Day WE. Been watching helpful posts on PCT/JMT hikers for the eastern portion of the hike's conditions, as well as the SEKI ranger current trail conditions reports, and feel we'll experience enough of the toughest stuff in the first few days -- Forrester Pass, Kern River, etc. -- to help us gauge if we should keep going, reroute, or bail entirely. We've also reviewed all of Skurka's high sierra hazards and re-route advice: https://andrewskurka.com/psa-hazardous- ... lternates/

Wondering if anyone has been out to the western half or key portions of the High Sierra Trail (HST) that cross the Big SEKI loop? Feels like there will be considerably less folks out there this year with the Roads End closure -- hopeful for any conditions reports folks can share!

> HST west of JMT/PCT junction at Wallace/Wright Creeks to Elizabeth Pass trail junction
> Elizabeth Pass NOBO
> Colby Pass as an alt route in the southern half
> Roads end through Granite Pass
> Middle Fork/ Simpson Meadow up to Palisade

(Keeping an eye on impacts from Hurricane Hilary as well with the possibilities of washouts and additional swift water of course as well.)

Thanks in advance!

[Enigmagic]

Wondering if anyone has been out to the western half or key portions of the High Sierra Trail (HST) that cross the Big SEKI loop? Feels like there will be considerably less folks out there this year with the Roads End closure -- hopeful for any conditions reports folks can share!

> Elizabeth Pass NOBO
> Colby Pass as an alt route in the southern half

I was out in the area last week, though to Big Bird Lake and not all the way up Deadman canyon. Talked to the ranger at Roaring River about conditions as well, he had just come down from Colby Lake. Traffic is definitely lighter than usual.

TSX has run a couple teams over Colby Pass and has forded the Kern. They have posted some photos on Instagram. The ranger said the trail up to Colby Pass looked more or less clear though he just camped at the lake and didn't hike up to the pass.

Elizabeth Pass has persistent patchy snow starting around 9500 and more or less continuous above 11k. He thought a few people had gone over it as of August 15th. There was a group of 6-8 doing the circle of solitude from Onion Valley that were heading that direction. I would assume all the recent rain has cleared any established bootpack (if there was any). The trail between Ranger Meadow and Roaring River had a few blowdowns and was swampy in places. The upper creek crossing near 8400' was mid-thigh to waist deep around 9am and moving at a decent clip. There are slower/deeper spots to cross in the vicinity. Lower crossing at 7900' was super easy.

We used spikes on (mostly avoidable) slopes above Big Bird. I brought a ice axe but don't think it was necessary around there.

Partial view up Deadman

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Lake 10,435' nearly melted out

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[DogMama]

If you are planning to enter at Kearsarge, you probably know this already, but due to the hurricane, Onion Valley Road is closed currently. We contacted the Inyo roads department and they didn’t have any predictions as of yesterday. Good luck with your trip!

[sukhoi_584th]

This says Monday the 28th https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/inyo/recreation

[ashleyamarsh]

Saw the Onion Valley closure and keeping an eye on it, thanks!

Appreciate the other photos and feedback on the snow and water. Feels really good to have a little insight. I also spoke to the rangers and they said the worst of the post Hillary water surges were down and they hadn't had major landslide reports yet. Will dial into them mid next week!

Gracias all!

[ashleyamarsh]

Update: called the rangers today who said Onion Valley Road is open. They also updated the campground status to open later in the day.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/inyo/recreation

[ashleyamarsh]

Update: I also spoke to a ranger with Kings Canyon who said the rivers are high but passable along the full route and that while still some snow remains in patches where it would be expected, esp. on north faces, it is manageable. They did not predict we'd have any insurmountable challenges along the route. Just a lot of fun.

I've also been watching the PNW strong / deep trough dropping in this weekend which will throw daytime temps on the Chagoopa Plateau and similar elevations possibly to highs of only the upper 40s per NOAA.