Sawtooths over Memorial Day

[LarryBoy]

Good idea, bad idea?

Did some poking around today regarding the possibility of backpacking the Sawtooths over Memorial Day. No specific route choices as of yet, but would try to hit the higher lakes/terrain. Now that the Avi center is done forecasting for the winter, tough to say exactly what snow coverage is like. Was checking out snotel data and it looks extremely variable (certainly based on aspect and other factors).

So that being said... is a backpacking trip doable over Memorial Day, or is that just completely crazy? Does anyone have first-hand experience with the range in the early season? We're definitely prepared to bring and use microspikes/ice axes, but aren't looking for a winter mountaineering adventure. Any thoughts?

 

[Ben]

last year i went the first and second weeks of june. there was still snow above a certain elevation, take a look at the pictures in those reports. i have to imagine there would be even less snow this year, looking at the data from every where else. i'm looking at going the week end before memorial, if i do, i'll let you know what i find.

 

[LarryBoy]

Hey Ben, thanks for the beta! I'm thinking it should be doable up to 8k easily, with the assistance of ice axes and spikes of course. Those were some pretty awesome weekends you had!

 

[Nick]

I went June 22-24, 2012. Still lots of snow up high that year.

http://backcountrypost.com/threads/imogene-and-hell-roaring-lakes-sawtooths.1017/

 

[LarryBoy]

Beautiful photography as usual, Nick! Given how this winter's been, perhaps a little more snow than your trip can be expected, given that it's a low snow year, but a full month earlier.