Franklin Lakes, Mineral King Valley - Sequoia National Park

Regional discussion and conditions reports for the Golden State. Please post partners requests and trip plans in the California Climbing Partners forum.
User Avatar
KJR

 
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Sep 21, 2013 5:35 pm
Thanked: 0 time in 0 post

Franklin Lakes, Mineral King Valley - Sequoia National Park

by KJR » Sat Sep 06, 2014 6:45 am

Any advice on what the weather conditions might be backpacking the Mineral King area first week of October?

User Avatar
ROL

 
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2010 6:24 am
Thanked: 44 times in 29 posts

Re: Franklin Lakes, Mineral King Valley - Sequoia National P

by ROL » Sat Sep 06, 2014 4:34 pm

Cool. But don't take my word for it – I only hold one advanced degree in meteorology and have only been visiting MK for over 50 years. ;)

The following user would like to thank ROL for this post
KJR

User Avatar
obsidian

 
Posts: 46
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 8:55 pm
Thanked: 11 times in 10 posts

Re: Franklin Lakes, Mineral King Valley - Sequoia National P

by obsidian » Tue Sep 09, 2014 12:06 am

KJR,
Mineral King is a terrific place,...if you've never been there, you will be amazed.
Early October in the High Sierra is quite unpredictable (like ROL said).
I wouldn't expect a foot of snow on the ground,...typically, that doesn't happen until November.
...Naturally, you should bring a good down bag, (plan for cold nights),...and, be prepared for snow flurries (and, possibly wind) at the worst.

The following user would like to thank obsidian for this post
KJR

User Avatar
peninsula

 
Posts: 1724
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:10 am
Thanked: 81 times in 54 posts

Re: Franklin Lakes, Mineral King Valley - Sequoia National P

by peninsula » Wed Sep 10, 2014 3:02 pm

KJR,
When it does snow in early October, generally it will be followed by blue skies within a day or two. Early-season snowfall adds to the overall excitement and beauty of the experience. Although generally speaking, accumulations will be minimal, there are exceptions. That said, I prefer snow to rain. Lightening occurs less frequently with snow as compared to rain, too. Bring an extra day's worth of food so you can hunker down while the storm passes in the event it happens near the end of your trip. It is easier and more enjoyable to hunker down than to attempt exiting the park in the midst of a storm. Stay dry and have fun!

The following user would like to thank peninsula for this post
KJR

User Avatar
asmrz

 
Posts: 1097
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2002 7:52 am
Thanked: 248 times in 157 posts

Re: Franklin Lakes, Mineral King Valley - Sequoia National P

by asmrz » Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:40 pm

I would worry about the road access if it snows heavily late September to your departure in October. The road to Mineral King could be the crux issue of the trip. Check with the RS in advance.

The following user would like to thank asmrz for this post
KJR


Return to California

 


  • Related topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests