Pear Lake Winter Hut

Another amazing week at Pear Lake. Skiers were treated to stable powder and bluebird days. Not much changed in terms of coverage. Still expect several feet of snow at Wolverton with more at the hut. Snow from the hump down varied from corn to refrozen crud. Above the hut, snow quality varied from preserved powder to corn depending on aspect. With another large storm looming, conditions will change rapidly. Please be prepared for adverse conditions.

Pear Lake Hut received 38” of mostly dense and wet snow this last week. Prior to this, a melt-freeze crust had developed on all but north aspects.  While there is likely some instability at this interface, so far only very limited point release avalanches have been observed associated with cliffy terrain.

At this time, snow coverage is exceptional on all aspects and slopes,  allowing the visitor to choose their own adventure throughout the basin. Cross-country travel is remarkably friendly, with the dense snow tending to support skis and snowshoes. Additionally, cold temperatures are preserving the powder.

The six-mile trail into the hut has been well traveled, but wind frequently hides past tracks, and visibility can be limited by snow or fog. Visitors and hutkeepers alike are frequently surprised at the time and navigation skills required to get to the hut and often arrive after dark. Be prepared for snowy winter travel conditions.

The past week of sunny weather and warm temps is making itself known on the trail. Expect low coverage and large patches of dirt for the first several miles. I was unable to ski from the hut to the parking lot continuously. However, with the incoming atmospheric river conditions may be vastly different by tomorrow morning. If the forecast delivers its predicted snow totals, expect to be breaking trail through several feet of fresh powder. The approach may take longer than usual. Give yourself plenty of time to reach the hut. Additionally, consider taking the low route from Heather Lake to the hut as this storm cycle progresses. Beyond Pear Lake and into the Tablelands coverage stayed stable, and the skiing surprisingly good. Powder stayed cold on north-facing slopes, and sun crusts were kept to a minimum on solar aspects.

Two storms during this last week coated the widespread breakable crust of the Pear Lake area w 10” of dense powder. This created delightful touring conditions high in the tablelands and along the marble fork above the hut. Many happy turns were made in the trees and gullies from just above Pear Lake to the hut. Off trail travel still requires vigilance as instability within the snowpack and low tide conditions persist. Flat light and dense fog occaisionally created near white out conditions. Alternately, cold temperatures turned the snowpack and fog into sparkletown. Snow to the trailhead and clear roads made for a pleasant commute.

Expect a well-packed skin track the entire way to the hut. However, due to our slow winter, the snowpack is still shallow, with plenty of early-season obstacles on or around the trail. If on skis, say a prayer for your knees before tackling the breakable crust and icy luge track back to the parking lot. Coverage beyond the hut has significantly improved over the past week, with guests enjoying powder skiing on the flanks of Winter Alta and longer tours into the Tablelands.

Winter has finally arrived at Pear Lake Winter Hut! The trail saw anywhere from 5-12 inches of snow on 1/3/24. It is now recommended that guests use snowshoes or skis to access the hut. We advise guests to continue to use the summer trail until further snowfall, and if on skis expect to hit rocks at least until the next storm. Beyond the hut lies much better coverage, especially in shaded or sheltered areas. Good skiing is to be found with a little curiosity and careful route finding. Lastly there are reports of whumpfing and poor snowpack structure across several aspects and elevations. Please understand the risks and use caution upon entering avalanche terrain.

The trail to Pear Lake over the hump is clear and compacted snow, ice, and dirt.  The first few miles are snow-free, then mixed media, and mostly compacted snow and ice at the hut.  Traction devices are recommended.  Snowshoes and skis are not recommended for the trail but may be useful for exploratory travel above the hut.  At the hut, there is about 6 inches of dense snow.  In the tablelands at 11,000 ft, snow depth varies 2-24 inches, and snowshoes or skis are recommended.

The trail is clear and in good condition up to the intersection with the Watchtower Trail (now closed for the winter).  Expect snow cover to begin shortly thereafter, with 3-4 inches by the top of the hump.  We are in the awkward “in-between” stage for trail conditions where skis are not recommended, but you will have to walk through snow to get to the hut.  Snowshoes would be overkill.  Anticipate having wet feet due to lurking puddles.  Snow is grippy, but traction devices are still recommended.  Give yourself extra time the last several miles as walking can be slow going.

Road and Safety Information
For current Weather and Road Conditions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, call (559) 565-3341, and press 1.

Please keep in mind that conditions are always changing. We recommend that you visit the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Important Reminders for Registered Hut Visitors:

• Be aware that the Generals Highway between Grant Grove (Kings Canyon) and Lodgepole (Sequoia) is not a reliable winter road. Check road conditions before you embark on your journey.
• You must have a wilderness permit. Permits are free and can be filled out at Giant Forest Museum at any time. The registration box is outside the museum, just to the south of the front doors.
• When considering any adventure, plan for the safety of the least experienced person in your group.
• When in doubt, don’t go out! Let’s have a safe season everyone!

You are responsible for your safety.

Natural areas present hazards. Cold temperatures, icy or uneven ground, wild animals, biting insects, and changing weather conditions all pose dangers. Rocks roll, trees topple, and limbs drop without warning. People create other hazards with campfires, traffic, snow play, and poor decisions.

Understanding and preparing for the risks is a critical part of every trip to a National Park; visit www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/safety to learn more.

WILDERNESS PERMITS
Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks’ wilderness, including the Pear Lake Winter Hut. For your own safety, you are required to fill out a free wilderness permit at the Giant Forest Museum (self-service kiosk open 24 hours) so that your travel plans are submitted to the National Park Service.

SAFETY STATEMENT & AVALANCHE RISK
The trip to the hut is for experienced backcountry skiers and snowshoers only. It should not be attempted by beginner skiers or snowshoers. The trail is steep and includes a 2,000-foot elevation gain in six miles. A fun outing with good snow conditions can easily turn into an eight or more hour ordeal with poor weather or bad snow. Low clouds and whiteouts are common, which can make following the trail very difficult. Not everyone makes it to the hut as planned. We recommend starting out on the trail as early as possible. It is essential that survival equipment be taken. For your safety, it is advised that you review the “what to bring” checklist provided and be prepared for your trip. All equipment should be in excellent condition, and all winter backcountry users should be familiar with proper avalanche techniques. Avalanche conditions exist at all times on the trail to Pear Lake. Users are ultimately responsible for assessing the dangers and determining if they should proceed on their trip or cancel it. Hut visitors travel to the hut and use the facility at their own risk. A refund will not be issued because of a winter storm.

Please review the cancellation policy if needed.

For more information on avalanche safety, please visit:
www.avalanche.org/avalanche-education/
www.weather.gov/safety/winter-avalanche

HANTAVIRUS
Regarding the potential for exposure to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) at Pear Lake Winter Hut: Mice are native rodents in the Sierra, including the Pear Lake wilderness and Pear Lake Winter Hut. The Pear Lake Winter Hut will be cleaned according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines prior to opening for the season. The Sequoia Parks Conservancy will set traps and continue to use CDC cleaning procedures when rodents or rodent droppings are detected. However, the Sequoia Parks Conservancy cannot guarantee that the hut is HPS-free. Hut users are advised of the risks, and those wishing not to be exposed to the potential of HPS may choose not to register for the Winter Hut.

For more information on hantavirus safety, please visit:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/HantavirusPulmonarySyndrome.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/index.html

EARLY DEPARTURE*
*Emergency situations only. For your own safety, it is not advised to depart from or arrive at the hut on any days that are not your designated ski-in or ski-out days. We know unforeseen circumstances may require you to depart the Wolverton parking area before the road has been plowed. In this rare situation, you must use the guidelines that are provided to you when you complete your reservation.
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By submitting a reservation form for the Pear Lake Winter Hut, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of the liability waiver.

There are NO REFUNDS or date changes. Refunds can only be given if the Generals Highway has been closed or the National Park Service has issued an official trail closure or advisory of no backcountry travel on your reserved ski-­in day.