Snow on Trail to Youngs Lakes via Dog Lake ? Anyone?

[Lesbert]

We are looking for any feedback about how much snow we should expect on a year like this backpacking from July 20 - 23/2011 to Youngs lakes via Dog lake. Our concern is twofold -- "streams" that are much
higher due to record snowfall, and hiking with 30lbs through snow. Can anyone shed some light. Obviously you cannot predict the snowmelt, but it would be helpful to know how much there is currently and what it's been like in similar years.

Many thanks! First family backpack trip

[dan]

It's very wet up there now:
http://www.yosemite.jp/mt31/archives/001287.html
English translation:
http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... 01287.html

But snow melt s FAST in summer, so by July 20 I think you'll be fine. That is, you may hit some snow, but not trudging through the stuff a significant part of the way like you have to now. That's my opinion anyway.

[Lesbert]

Dan - thanks so much for your input here. Do you know this trail well. I am concerned about "creek" crossings that may be raging rivers and our ability to get around them.
Snow melt can create really weird water conditions. Thanks. Leslie

[dan]

No, these aren't raging creeks, even in high water. What becomes raging are creeks in the bottom of Canyons--Tuolumne, Virginia, Matterhorn, Kerrick Canyons especially.

The problem is early in the season the snow is still on the trail (and they tend to be big clods of ice to climb up and over). Don't think you'll have a problem with this weather beating on them for the next few weeks. And you certainly won't have a problem with raging creeks on the Dog Lake/Young Lakes trail.

[Lesbert]

Dan - thanks again. Your comments match those I got from the folks at the Tuolome stables about the creeks. One last question about this trail, since you seem to be familiar. Is it well marked? It seems pretty well travelled. Curious about how much we'll need to do with map/compass or if it's easily marked. Thanks again.

[dan]

The Dog Lake/Young Lakes trails are well-marked, since these are lakes relatively close to the Tioga Road. I always take a topo map and compus on backpacks.

[Lesbert]

Thanks again - do you know which topo map would be the best for this area. There are a ton and few if any note Youngs Lakes. I wondered also if you have a source you like for Topo maps. My local adventure store in San Diego doesn't have one for this area.
Many Thanks - completely agree on always having compass and topo map. Warmly, Leslie

[kpkent]

All, I am planning a trip for a similar time and I was wondering how bad the mosquitoes are at the lakes around this time. Anyone know? I didn't see anything noted on that translated review Dan posted, so I'm assuming they aren't too bad.

[bill-e-g]

You can get maps for free here:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/trails.htm

Or sites like:
http://www.closedcontour.com/
(search for Mount Conness)

or
http://www.mytopo.com/

A screen capture and print and you got yourself a free map...

As for mosquitos... I'll be fully prepared for any onslaught towards the end of July.
Expect the worse.... pray for the best.