Tree Rain

When hiking in the winter you need to treat tree rain with caution and not take it for granted. Tree rain is the constant water that drips from trees as snow melts from the limbs.

The day after an October snowfall of 10 inches, we hiked toward the backside of El Capitan in Yosemite. I had hiked most of the day with my fleece jacket on and my breathable shell packed away deep in the pack. As we hiked along, the trees were dripping at a constant pace but we paid very little attention to it. At about 2:30 we turned around because we had run out of time to reach El Capitan and return to the car before dark.

At the turnaround point, I discovered that all of my upper clothing was completely soaked by the tree train and when I opened my pack I found that all the gear and clothing was equally wet. So here I was, 7 miles from the car in mid afternoon with snow on the ground and all my clothing wet! The hike back to the car was uncomfortable and possibly a danger to my well being. If a problem had developed and our progress delayed, my life could have been in danger.

Now when I winter hike I wear my breathable shell and protect my fleece from sweat and rain, including tree rain. I am now very careful with moisture management, especially in winter conditions.

Mount Banner

El Capitan &Half Dome

Lower Cathedral Lake