Galena Creek Snowshoe (Washoe County, Nevada)

While I had intended to be on a backpacking trip this weekend in Death Valley, a series of storms have left the Sierra Nevadas and the valleys east of them snow-covered, flooded, and muddy. Instead, I decided to join one of the meetup groups I belong to for a short snowshoe trek in and around Galena Park.

I met the group in South Reno around 8:00 AM and we carpooled a few miles to the park entrance. Twelve of us in total strapped on our snowshoes and headed into the white forest. More snow is predicted over this entire weekend, but for now, we have a break. The parking lot at the trailhead has been carved out of a 3 or 4 feet of snow, of course it will get deeper as we head the valley.

On the way up, we alternate between breaking trail and trail already broken. As always, we alternate leads when breaking trail, as it is difficult work. In some of the sections, the snow covers bushes over great hollow spots. During my time in breaking trail, I manage to find one of these hollows and fall through to my waste. Good for a laugh, but it's difficult to pull myself out and my comrades offer assistance. 

As we cross the snow-covered bridge over Galena creek, which is flowing nicely, we hear explosive blasts in the distance. This time of year, the sound isn't uncommon and is made by the ski resorts and other organizations blasting snow slabs to prevent natural avalanches. I've read before this last storm that came through, we were already at 136% of the average annual snowpack. With more snow dropping on the mountain almost every day, avalanches are a major concern in this part of the world.

After passing the Camp WaChMa, we start up a hill with a challenging incline, eventually popping out at some snow-covered cabins lying just next to Mt. Rose Highway near what used to be the Reindeer Lodge, which collapsed underneath the weight of the record snowfall two winters ago. We take shelter in some trees from the snow, which has started falling pretty hard and stop for a quick snack before heading back down the mountain.

On the way back, my friend and our organizer, Dominique, takes advantage of the steep downhill and sort of runs down the steep incline crossing over the switchbacks from our trip up the hillside. Shortly thereafter, we reach the trailhead. We covered about 3.8 miles on the trek and it's always fun to be out with these good folks. Now to get some food and a beer.