Snow in the Sierra
Posted: November 4, 2026 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: snow Leave a commentI was back out in the mountains today. I wanted to see how much snow there was on our trails. I envisioned checking the Barker Meadow OHV trail and others. NOPE!
Starting up the Middle Fork Trail (15N38), it was beautiful. One set of tracks in front of me but I didn’t know if they were going up or had come down.
Light snow in the shade, I figured I would have no problem making the summit.
The rolling dips need their drains cleared by heavy equipment next year and we already have trees that will need to be removed next spring.
The snow got deeper as the trail got steeper and I decided that I did not want to become a statistic. I turned around.
No giving up, I took Forest Road 03 to the summit.
After starting down 16E79, I decided, again, I didn’t want to be THAT guy. I turned around. Again, with a 6-point turn. That’s 16E79 on the right and the short fork 03-02 on the left.
The drive back up to 03 was picturesque.
I also headed over to the Rubicon and went in about two miles. The snow was lighter. There were no tracks headed up to Sourdough Hill. That would be a great snow run in the next day or two. Expect heavier snow as you climb.
Sadly, I did not make it out unscathed. I turned around when the pin on my spare tire rack broke. That’s why you always carry heavy duty ratchet straps. I’ll just add that to the list of things to do on the Jeep.
If you go, be prepared to spend the night. Shelter, food, fluids, change of clothes, method to make fire, communications, blankets, sleeping bag, etc.
The Lake Tahoe Basin trails close on November 16th.
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Rubicon Ronin
