Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Water Crossings on JMT in mid June

Hello-

How many major stream crossings are there on the JMT, and how difficult do you think they will be mid June, considering how quick the snow is melting.

Thanks,
Matt

The ones that would be trouble have bridges.

This year you shouldn't have much of a problem, if you are an experienced hiker. I've seen hikers stop and quake at a easy rock hop, though, but for most, the JMT is a freeway. There'd be lots of complaints if there was much difficulty. But watch out for side trips. The Taboose Pass Trail, say, is often inundated at creek crossings, necessitating fords. Same with some other side trails.

And watch out for frozen snow on the north sides of the high passes. Early in the morning, a slip can kill you. Use an ice axe if you have one. Crampons might even be useful.

Have fun, but be safe!

The only ones I can think of are Bear Creek (N of Marie Lake) and Evolution Creek. Both are likely to be thigh deep and fairly fast flowing but are not a problem as long as you are careful.

As 4Xsummit says, the snow patches could be dangerous and these can also be undercut by streams leaving a nasty surprise for the unwary. I will also be on the JMT in mid-June so if this information is wrong, please help me out of the water!

The two streams that Phil mentioned were the ones that came to mind for me. Evolution Creek was almost mid-thigh when I came thru in July last summer. Bear Creek was above the knee.

I stayed at Blaney Meadows one night (same trip) and crossed the San Juaquin to go to the hot springs... THAT was an interesting crossing - it was hip deep and really moving! But those hot springs were sure nice!!

I should mention, though, that last July the Sierra had an AWFUL lot of rain. My first week and a half on the trail had rain every day (and lots of it), and I got the impression from other hikers that I was on the tail end of that weather system.

Thanks for the info. I'm counting down the days until the trip starts. Woohoo!