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Snow heading NOBO, starting Late March

Posted: Mar 02 2017 1:24 pm
by outgettinglost
Hi,
I have roughly 4 weeks to hike, and am trying to do a bit of a long-distance shakedown trip (I haven't really done long-distance, looking to do PCT next year).

I'm wondering if anyone has advice, or links to resources that'll give me an idea of what I can expect snow-wise for the last week of March through third week of April. I found some stuff online, but had a hard time getting a good idea of what it all meant. AZT guidebook is on the way.

Thanks!
Andy

Re: Snow heading NOBO, starting Late March

Posted: Mar 02 2017 7:35 pm
by sandyfortner
Barring a late spring storm, I don't think you'll have any snow by then, assuming that you are starting at the Mexico border.

Re: Snow heading NOBO, starting Late March

Posted: Mar 03 2017 7:02 am
by FireFly
I'm still in doubt if I should bring microspikes or not... (starting March 19th). I'm sure there will be some snow on the ground at some places. But will that usually be soft snow (where microspikes are not very helpful) or relatively hard slippery surfaces? Or both?

Re: Snow heading NOBO, starting Late March

Posted: Mar 03 2017 5:00 pm
by wha
I went through the Huachucas (Passage 1) a week ago. The snow wasn't bad. A bit crusty and slippery in places, but for the most part you could walk in previous hikers footsteps. I'm not sure-footed at all and I made it with just trail runners. Spikes would have helped a bit in a few spots, but I appreciated not having the extra pound for all the other miles. In a couple weeks, especially with the people going through now, I don't think you'll have any problem, if there is any snow left.

Re: Snow heading NOBO, starting Late March

Posted: Mar 04 2017 7:22 am
by outgettinglost
Thanks everyone!

Re: Snow heading NOBO, starting Late March

Posted: Mar 04 2017 11:03 am
by outgettinglost
Another user suggest some more northern sections. I'm looking at Something like Superior, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim.
Any other thoughts on that? I don't mind a bit of snow; extended postholing is what I'm trying to avoid. Another hiker I know suggested there would be high amounts of snow (not sure if sandbagging :o)).

Also, any thoughts on parking near the Grand Canyon, and a shuttle provider to contact?

Thanks!