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Sierra Nevada Snow Depth Update: Crossing Conditions Improving 🏔️

Bottom line: Palisades Tahoe cleared to zero snow depth today, Mt. Rose should follow within 9 days. Water availability will be excellent this season.

John Wesley Brett

• 2 min read
Sierra Nevada Snow Depth Update: Crossing Conditions Improving 🏔️
May 26, 2025, 6:48 a.m. - Palisades Tahoe High Camp - 8200' - Screenshot Palisades Webcam

Current Conditions ❄️

Palisades Tahoe hit zero inches of snow today (down from 5 inches yesterday) – marking the first fully clear reading since winter began! This is a major milestone, as Palisades is one of our two key Sierra snowpack monitors for ADT thru-hikers.

Meanwhile, Mt. Rose is still sitting at 29 inches, but if current melt rates hold, we expect it to drop below 3 inches in the next 9 days or so – well within a normal late spring clearing timeline.

📍 Source: Hiking America - ADT Sierra Nevada Records - Spring

A Bit of Historical Context 📊

This year's Palisades opening is:

  • Later than 5 of the last 6 years
  • Just 1 day earlier than the 15-year average
  • 3 days earlier than the 10-year average
  • 2 days later than the 5-year average

🔎 What that means: It might feel like a late start thanks to recent mild winters, but in the grand scheme? This is actually right on track for long-term Sierra patterns.

Water Outlook 💧

Thanks to a solid (but melting!) snowpack, water availability looks promising for the months ahead. Eastbound hikers can expect good water sources through:

  • The Sierra Nevada 🏔️
  • Nevada’s arid basin regions 🏜️
  • The Utah desert stretches 🌵

This should greatly simplify water logistics through areas that are usually tricky, especially for early summer hikers!

Colorado Update 🏔️

Copper Mountain is currently showing 11 inches of snow, giving us an early read on conditions at Argentine Pass (13,207 ft – the highest point on the ADT).
Based on recent melt trends, we’re projecting it should be foot-passable by June 2—though, as always, microspikes and flexibility are your friends at altitude.

Planning Tips for Eastbounders 🗺️

If you’re heading out from Limantour Beach soon:

✅ The Sierra window is opening on schedule
✅ Expect classic late-May to early-June conditions
✅ Water should be flowing in all the right places

⚠️ Final reminder: Always check current trail and weather updates before attempting high-elevation crossings.

Mother Nature loves surprises—even in a “normal” year!

Hike Your Hike - John.