Currently the sierra, along with the majority of west coast ranges, are being buried by high snows. As an east coaster, going through the planning stages of a possible summer backpacking trip in these regions, Im wondering how the current winter snows may affect popular trails such as the PCT ,JMT as well as other popular hiking areas throughout the region - in relation to the upcoming summer hiking/backpacking season? Currently, it is looking like this year will yield a later melting and opening of the hiking season at higher elevations. Being from the northeast i'm used to the snow, but it would be my first time hiking in any of the west coast ranges and i am not experienced in the intricacies their cycles. Im wondering - is this something thru-hikers are accounting for and adjusting to - as far as trip timeframes etc.?