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Smoke in the Backcountry

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 11:02 am
by Grzldvt
Heading in Sunday and looking at 3 choices:
Mitre Canyon and day hike Tues - Weds Thurs, out on Friday
Virginia Canyon to Snow Lake and out - Anyone been in that part recently and can let us know if it is smoky from surrounding fires and views are obliterated - This is the preferred trip
Grand Canyon of the Toulumne White Wolf to Toulumne - If it is really smoky. then hiking in a giant hole might be better
Thoughts?

Re: Smoke in the Backcountry

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 1:13 pm
by balzaccom
Can't speak to the smoke--but Sonora Pass was closed recently because of snow. It's now re-opened, but given this time of year, I tend to keep at lower elevations, and avoid getting trapped on the East side..!

Re: Smoke in the Backcountry

PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 9:04 pm
by Grzldvt
Ya we go through this fall thing on this forum every year. :D I have been tracking the weather for pret' near 30 years now and like clockwork, a storm comes in the 2nd-3rd week of September, then it gets really nice for 2-3 weeks, then watch out. So not worried at all, still prepare for it, though.
Realized I could check the webcams, looks great....

Re: Smoke in the Backcountry

PostPosted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 7:45 am
by weendoggy
Spent last week in the Tahoe area doing some hiking. Monday/Tuesday was great, then the big "W" came in and brought all the smoke from the Owens Valley fire. Bad for two days, then, wallah, nice clean beautiful air/skies again. However, I just got through a nice 11 mile hike on Thursday and within 30 mins. had a beautiful whiteout!! That's what prompted the pass closures for one day. Snow stuck for a few hours and was gone Friday morning.

Drove down the 395 corridor Saturday at 5am and it was bone ass chilly!! Oh, I'm driving my Cobra replica (no top) so it's really cold. Seat heaters and heater work good, but the main part is the day was fantastic! Clear skies (which always lead to colder mornings) and fantastic scenery. Up through Tuolumne Meadows I was surprised to see how many people are still there. I remember years ago when you could easily find a place to park and go hiking this time of year. Anyway, if you have some time, now is the time to go, just be prepared. I love this time of year!