The Sierra Closes - Slightly Later Than Average This Year
Sierra Snowpack Update – Essential Data for ADT Hikers Timing Their Fall and Spring Crossings
During the hiking 'off-season,' most ADT hopefuls are deep in planning mode and keeping a close eye on snowpack conditions in the Sierra Nevada. Crossing the Sierra at the right time is critical to the success of a cross-country American Discovery Trail (ADT) journey, as early snowfall or late melt can quickly turn an adventure into an ordeal.
Our newly updated Fall and Spring snowpack charts track the key dates when three Sierra stations along the ADT —Palisades Tahoe, Tahoe City Cross, and Mount Rose Ski Area—reach critical snow depths. 📊❄️
The “3-Inch Rule” – Your Key to a Safe Crossing
If you’re hiking the ADT, the general rule is to cross the Sierra when the snow is less than three inches deep. At that depth, the Sierra is still passable, though cold and challenging. Once the snow exceeds three inches, the trail becomes much tougher, potentially requiring snow gear or even risking your safety. Our Fall and Spring snowpack charts are built to monitor these crucial tipping points, helping hikers decide when to tackle the Sierra.
Rule of Thumb: Cross the Sierra before Halloween 🎃
A well-known guideline among Westbound thru-hikers is to aim to cross the Sierra before Halloween. Historically, early snowpack begins to accumulate in early November, making October the ideal window for a safer late-year crossing. This year’s data confirms that pattern: Palisades Tahoe and Mount Rose Ski Area both hit the above three-inch mark on November 12 (actually recording 6 inches). Tahoe City Cross, at a slightly lower elevation between the two, hasn’t yet reached three inches, but it’s close. Looking back over the last 15 years, this early November snow accumulation is fairly consistent — albeit with a couple of outliers — reinforcing the Halloween cutoff as a smart target for fall crossings.
Here are some additional insights for ADT Westbound planners:
• Average First Snowpack Dates: Over the last five years, Palisades Tahoe and Mount Rose typically reached three inches by the first or second week of November - except for the super snowy 2021.
• Earliest and Latest Dates: The earliest recorded first +3" snowfall over the past 15 years was October 4 at Palisades Tahoe, while the latest was November 26. This range shows that while Halloween is a safer than average bet, watching the forecast is wise if you’re attempting a later crossing.
Spring Melt-Off: When the Snow Clears for Late Spring Eastbound Crossings
If you’re planning to tackle the Sierra in late spring, our Spring Snowpack chart has your back. This chart tracks when snow levels at these stations drop back under three inches, signaling that the Sierra is again more accessible. In the last five years, Palisades Tahoe typically clears by May 23, with Mount Rose Ski Area following around June 8. This late May to early June window has become a prime time for ADT hikers looking to cross with minimal snow cover, but as always, check the local conditions since late storms can shift these dates.
Why We Don’t Track Snowpack for the Colorado Rockies
You might wonder why we don’t provide similar snowpack data for the Colorado Rockies. The reason is simple: If you successfully cross the Sierra at the right time, the Rockies’ snowpack, if any, would typically be far more manageable. Eastbound ADT hikers would cross the Sierra in late Spring or early Summer and reach the Rockies with no trouble. Conversely, Westbound ADT hikers, timing to cross the Sierra before Halloween, will have crossed the Rockies during the summer. In other words, by timing your Sierra crossing well, you’re likely to hit the Rockies during your own optimal hiking window without the need for detailed snowpack data.
Key Takeaways for ADT Hikers
1. Westbound - Cross The Sierra by Halloween: The old rule of crossing the Sierra by Halloween is supported by the data. Plan your timing to avoid early snowfall in November.
2. Eastbound - Spring Crossing Sweet Spot: For those heading through in spring, aim for late May through early June, when snow levels tend to drop below three inches.
4. Adaptability Is Key: Even the best-laid plans may need adjusting. Weather can be unpredictable, and the Sierra is famous for early storms and unexpected temperature drops.
Planning for the Unexpected
The Sierra is a monumental section of the ADT, where the majesty and challenge of the trail truly come alive. Use this data to plan your journey, but always remember that safety comes first. Whether you’re braving a chilly fall crossing or a late spring adventure, stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy every step of this breathtaking stretch of the ADT. 🏔️✨
Still On The Trail
Christopher Fiorello
Started: Mid-July
Section Hiking: Harpers Ferry to Elizabethtown, OH & St. Louis to La Junta, CO - part of a Brooklyn, NY to Santa Barbara, CA crossing.
Support Links: GoFundMe, Instagram, TikTok, christopherfiorello.com
This week, section hiker Christopher Fiorello rejoined the American Discovery Trail in St. Louis, opting for a more direct route from Elizabethtown, Ohio, to the Gateway to the West. Currently making his way through Missouri, Chris has been steadily advancing along the Katy Trail, reaching Marthasville yesterday. 🌟 His plan is to continue following the ADT all the way to La Junta, Colorado, before branching off toward his new home in Santa Barbara, California. 🌄
Dual-Directional Project Update
We are making great progress in converting the Turn-By-Turn Directions in our 110-segment guides to Dual-Directional navigation! This week, we completed all segments in California in the West and Delaware through Mid-West Virginia in the East. These milestones add to several other segments already completed across the U.S., bringing us closer to a fully dual-directional guide system for the American Discovery Trail. 🗺️✨
Hike Your Hike — John.
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