snowpack and summer water on the JMT

[carol dixon]

A group of 4 friends are planning to hike 5 days between Tuolumne Meadows & Devils Postpile. Currently (end of January) the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada’s is at 30%. We do NOT want to carry water beyond what is needed during daily hiking as we are all 50+ yr old females trying to keep pack weight down.
Any thoughts as to when water in streams may become an issue??
Permits to start in Tuolumne Meadows are gone through mid-July. I am concerned about starting much later due to the ongoing drought. We have the option of starting in the south at Devils Postpile and hiking north.
Any thoughts about water & hiking north from Devil’s Postpile?
Thanks!

[Jeff Hester]

There will be no issue with water along that route. Even in years with very low snowpack, there is still water. The question is really more about how much snow you’ll encounter (less) and how deep the water will be in creek crossings (also less).

That’s a beautiful section of trail, hiking in either direction. Have fun!

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