Crossing some snow is almost a given during the course of a thru-hike or thru-ride. Just how much snow will be found in the mountains varies widely from year to year. Typically the Sierra Nevada Mountains will be the first place thru-hikers and thru-riders will encounter any significant snow depths.

To be safe, many hikers and riders plan their entry into the Sierra by leaving Kennedy Meadows after June 15th ("Ray Day").

Most years, after this date, the level of snow in the mountains is low enough to be safely navigated (ice axes may, however, still be necessary).

For PCT snow-related data visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SNOTEL Snow - Precipitation Update Report for the Western states.

For more on snow levels and predictions as to what type of snow year it will be for thru-travelers, watch the PCT-L.