Quick question

[mikecain3]

The Happy Isles - Sunrise/merced trailhead is already booked up for May 5th. I'm surprised that people are going there that early in the season. Can you get all the way to Merced Lake on May 5th?

[sierranomad]

There will be considerable snow remaining at that time of the year. I don't know what those that got the permits have in mind. Maybe going as far as they can?

[bill-e-g]

Trying not to post as much...

But...

It depends on the year and when the snow falls.

We've done it in early APRIL with no snowshoes required. Only minor snow
was on switchbacks after bridges by Bunnell.
Last year, no snow until over 8500ft. in early May. Camped atop Clouds.

Heading up to Matthes via Merced Wed. I expect snow and lots of
it from LYV and beyond though this year now.
I'll let you know how it is.

[bill-e-g]

If you care. On Wednesday, April 14,2010:
Craploads of snow. Avalanche before the switchbacks by Bunnell
that went right into the Merced.
Just beautiful though. Wife and I went all the way to Echo Lake.
More than 5 ft. of snow at Echo Lake (I gave up after I was over my
head).
The switchbacks are under probably > 4ft. of snow with a slope
of over 40%.
All that being said, by May probably some will try to just hike
there without snowshoes or crampons and they'll make it since
the snow will have compacted.
Or they'll posthole constantly and give up.

[sierranomad]

I bet it was beautiful! Did you get any pictures?

[bill-e-g]

Here's Bunnell Pt. - One of the few spots we were able to take
snowshoes off after LYV heading up to Echo.
For perspective note person in picture.

[bill-e-g]

Here's Echo Lake area with Echo Peaks and Matthes Crest.

Picture prob doesn't do it justice.

Starting to like winter time almost the best. It's just soooo much
more difficult with snowshoes though. Late Spring is easier
since you can walk on the snow w/o any extra garb.

[sierranomad]

Wow! Yeah, beautiful.

Winter is my favorite season, too. The snow sure does complicate travel, but that also ensures more solitude.

I only have a couple of regular routes I go in winter. Your pictures make me want to get out of my routine.

[mikecain3]

Thanks for the information. I appreciate your feedback and pictures. I think we will push our season opener back a couple of weeks. Having you and some of the other "5-hatters" as a resource is great. Thanks again.