Here’s another email from SEKI that I suspect has been sent to anyone holding a wilderness permit reservation with them this summer…
Hello,
?
As you plan your trips into the parks’ wilderness, think about how the?deep?snowpack?may affect your plans. Some things to expect include challenging route finding, much slower travel, steep snowfields, passes with cornices, and extremely high rivers. Plan your trip allowing plenty of flexibility to turn around or bail out when you encounter dangerous or impassable conditions.?
Avoid walking on areas of unsupported snow (snow bridges and cornices). These can be over creeks and?rivers or?at the edge of dangerous precipices. Snow bridges and cornices can be very unstable and collapse at any moment.?When they collapse under a person, the person can be swept away into the river to?drown,?or?cause the person to plunge to their death in a fall.??
Be extremely cautious on steep and exposed snow fields. Once?you slip and fall you may not be able to stop yourself. An uncontrolled fall on a snow field can lead to death either by falling?off of?a precipice or by crashing into fixed objects such as rocks or trees.?
Rivers will be extremely high and,?in many cases,?uncrossable. If you choose to cross a?river,?take your time to scout for the best crossing. This?will also allow you time to decide if crossing is?really worth?risking your life.?
Observe conditions carefully and then evaluate the risk of crossing. Be prepared to turn back.?
?
?
Wilderness Office Staff
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
debrabrownbear