any snow left?

[VermontDacker]

I'm also wondering what condition are like around the Cranberry Lake area between now and, say, mid-May. What's the best timing for "secret season" there this year, after snow is mostly gone but bugs have not hatched?

[Tick Magnet]

We were out on Monday the 10th around Loon Lake/Chestertown area. Plenty of snow in the woods, even at lower elevations of 1000'-1400'. Some spots were clearing out nicely, but shaded spots had a lot of ice. I suspect that will be around for a while. As for the "secret" season, it's now. 😉

1d upper trail - Copy.jpg

1g upper hill - Copy.jpg

[VermontDacker]

Eh, my definition of secret season doesn't start until the trails are mostly free of that packed snow/ice.

Last year I went on a backpack in Pharaoh Lake WA on May 1. The snow and ice were gone, there was little mud, and no bugs. That's what I think of as secret season. ;-)

[Tick Magnet]

Our hike today was mostly clear of snow and ice (~1300'), but still a few spots made us glad we had spikes on.

80° temps and no shade made for a tough go of it. Still, beats working for a living.

4 13h1 trail.jpg

[VermontDacker]

Snow is melting fast in these 80 degree temperatures.

[VermontDacker]

I'm guessing the snow is now gone from all but the higher mountain peaks now?

[Tick Magnet]

Yes, all the snow is gone at the lower elevations <2000' in the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest as of last Thursday. I was glassing 3000'+ peaks to the northwest and didn't see any evidence of snow on them either. Two inches of rain yesterday got rid of any snow that might have been hiding out. Flurries over the next few days probably won't amount to anything.