Yosemite Forum

I have a few vacation days left for this year, and I be curious on a couple opinions based on a possible trip anytime after mid-November:
-Locals: is there a venue you pay attention to for longer term weather discussion? I want to keep track of the potential for El Nino weather, when snow might be arriving, etc., beyond the usual NOAA/computer model (as in, an physical human being’s discussion).
-Any suggestions for good 1-2 night backpacking if there is NO snow when we head out? The kicker is that we will have our 11 month old. We’ve already backpacked with her a few times in cold weather at elevation in CO, and she loves it…but we also need to avoid most stream crossings.
-Same question if there is snow.

Thanks for any/all advice!

Can't help you with a long range weather forecast...we just use the local community weather forecast.

But as for a short trip in November or December, I would look at the trailheads off Highway 80, 50 or 88, as those tend to stay open, Further South, 4, 108 and 120 will all close once the snows come, and won't open again until spring. Look at Paradise Lake or Loch Leven Lakes off Highway 80, or the PCT Southbound off 50 to Showers lake or Dardanelles lake.