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#104620 - 10/14/21 09:02 AM
Whitney Trail Conditions
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Member
Registered: 10/14/21
Posts: 5
Loc: CA
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Hello everyone,
In 2019 we summited in the middle of October but back then the weather was very favorable and there was no ice except for a small stretch at the very top.
We have a day permit for Oct 30th, 2021. It appears the conditions are changing quite fast since Oct 10th, snow and cold. Current weather predictions call for snow on Oct 25th as well.
We are not experienced climbers so very likely we will turn back at some point. Any suggestions/options on how far we can expect to hike? Thanks
Best, Arjun
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#104626 - 10/17/21 10:23 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 10/13/21
Posts: 2
Loc: CA
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Here is my report from 10/14-10/16:
I went up from LA on Thursday, 10/14. I slept in the walk-in campground at the Portal. There is minimal snow on the ground here and there in the Portal, and the pond is frozen. There was one other hiker with me in the camping area. A few people in the overflow lot slept in their trucks/SUVs.
I was up at 3 am and on the trail shortly afterward. I hit Outpost around 6:30, dropped my big pack off, and continued with my day pack. Summitted and returned to Outpost in the dark. I headed out around 6 am on Saturday.
Thursday was cold. Friday it warmed up, and Saturday it seemed like it was getting warmer (although I was heading down).
There is snow and light ice here and there after 9k ft., but it is mostly avoidable until the switchbacks (mainly starting at #25 or so). On the switchbacks, I went without microspikes on the way up, but used them on the way down since I was moving at a faster pace. I saw some using them, and others not. I did not need them after the switchbacks. When I went up much of the snow wasn't icing up, but all the ingredients are there for ice soon. I did run into one person who slipped and hurt their knee.
The lake at trail camp is mostly frozen, but if you loop around to the point where it flows into Lone Pine creek there is thinner ice you can break. There's plenty of water at Outpost, although I did not see much that wasn't frozen by Trailside Meadow.
My sleeping gear included a 3 season ultralight tent, a microfiber synthetic 35-degree sleeping bag, and a Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Thermolite Liner. I also wore wool socks, Smartwool 150s on my legs and body, with a Patagonia sweater jacket, and a light puffer that I could take off and on as needed. I was cold, but I can be more sensitive to being cold and tend to have cold hands and feet, so take this for what it's worth.
This was my first time up. I made some mistakes but overall had a great time. Happy to respond to questions. I'll check-in for the next few hours.
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#104628 - 10/17/21 11:55 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 10/13/21
Posts: 2
Loc: CA
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Thanks Doug.
A few things I forgot:
I used an R2 foam pad and an R2.5 air pad on 10/14, and just the R2 foam pad on 10/15. I could feel that 10/15 wasn't as cold as 10/14, but I lost some of the heat I built up from the day and should have used both on 10/15.
I took crampons and an ax just beyond Trail Camp but stashed them there when I saw that I didn't need them and wanted to lighten the load up. I saw a few people do this.
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#104631 - 10/18/21 11:18 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 10/16/21
Posts: 9
Loc: San Diego, CA
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Mountain-forecast is predicting ~75 inches of snow on Whitney on 24-25th. Is that normal?
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#104633 - 10/18/21 01:28 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: brophy]
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Member
Registered: 10/14/21
Posts: 5
Loc: CA
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As soon as I said I hope there is no major storm, mountain forecast comes up with a 75 inch prediction. Gulp.
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#104635 - 10/18/21 02:21 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 10/16/21
Posts: 9
Loc: San Diego, CA
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:D, ya jinxed yourself. There's going to be 60mph gusting winds, I'd poop my pants in those conditions. Hopefully the storm moves northwards. These long dated forecasts are hardly ever accurate, so there's still hope the forecast changes in the next week. Good luck on your travels sir.
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#104649 - 10/26/21 12:17 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 10/16/21
Posts: 9
Loc: San Diego, CA
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Any condition updates after the storm?
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#104650 - 10/26/21 12:41 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: brophy]
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Member
Registered: 10/14/21
Posts: 5
Loc: CA
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Here is an update (copy/paste) from - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mount-whitney-via-mount-whitney-trail"My permit was for the 25th, but due to the snowstorm. I didnt go. I tried to go up today, the 26th, got up to lone pine lake to test it out, lone pine has about a foot of snow. Im not ready for that assuming the higher I go the worst it gets. I didnt bring my spikes. Had to remind myself that “the mountain will always be there” will come back next year."
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#104661 - 11/14/21 08:46 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 10/16/21
Posts: 9
Loc: San Diego, CA
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Outpost Camp --> Trail Camp: - Occasional ice, 2-3 of consolidated snow - Mirror Lake partially frozen, still possible to get water Trail Camp --> Trail Crest: - Rarely ice - 1-2 feet of powder snow - Trail has been established - Specifically switchback #48 after the cables is extremely sketchy, there is a section where you must climb 10-20 feet vertically up the snow slope and it's very hard to get purchase with crampons or ice axe. Trail Crest --> Summit: - Varies between 1 foot of snow to just dirt - A couple spots where you are relying on a single foothold, on top of powder mind you. - Navigating and route finding near the needles is difficult and takes time, footsteps are not consistent and you will find yourself off trail occasionally, although fairly easily to reestablish Top: - 2 feet of snow - Path only has 2-3 inches compacted - No ice
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#104670 - 12/15/21 04:50 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Enough snow to fill in the lower North Fork?
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#104675 - 01/01/22 03:31 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 04/24/15
Posts: 32
Loc: WI
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What’s the current coverage on the Portal Road to snowshoe to the Whitney TH? Thanks!
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#104723 - 04/08/22 03:38 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 04/08/22
Posts: 2
Loc: CA
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Hoping to hike Whitney on the week of 4/18/22. Heard we had a bad snow pack this year so I'm looking to push my luck. Anyone know if I can summit safely without hitting any technical / icy sections on the main trail?
Thank you!
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#104724 - 04/08/22 05:02 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: cow]
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Member
Registered: 07/29/05
Posts: 11
Loc: Sparks, Nevada
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I have an overnight permit for May 17th. The snowpack this year is actually slightly lower than last years. The Sierra got off to a big start for the snow year the end of Dec., but it’s fizzled every since. There is a minor storm coming in on Monday, but it’s not a big snow maker.
_________________________
Robert P.
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#104726 - 04/10/22 12:38 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 04/08/22
Posts: 2
Loc: CA
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Thank you all for the fantastic info. I will reconsider since the road is closed. Completely forgot about that!
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#104727 - 04/12/22 09:41 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 01/02/03
Posts: 934
Loc: Maryland
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A good hike right now would be just to ramble up to Lone Pine Lake and back, harvesting all you can eat of the delectable miner's lettuce found in abundance between the Portal and there.
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#104728 - 04/12/22 02:02 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: hightinerary]
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Member
Registered: 12/21/02
Posts: 955
Loc: Rattlesnake Hill, CA
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I've eschewed miner's lettuce in favor of henweighs, also in abundance...
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#104783 - 05/19/22 09:07 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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Hiked up the Main Trail two days ago (May 17). I joined many hikers taking the Switchbacks. Some hikers were still ascending the Chute. With the great weather, snow is melting fast. A week ago, apparently the Chute was the consensus route.
The only spots I used micro spikes were on the Cables and the end of the last long Switchback before Trail Crest. Hiking poles helped.
On the ascent in the dark just above Mirror Lake, the few remaining patches of snow demanded some focus to remain on the Trail. The low angle snow field that lingers below the Summit Plateau has an excellent boot track.
The creeks are running low and all crossings are easy.
The Spring at the 23rd Switchback is a trickle, but provided water on both ascent and descent.
Consultation Lake is frozen, but the good campsites on its shore are now dry.
Dozens of PCT hikers were encountered between Trail Crest and the Summit.
For those heading up the MR: Iceberg Lake is thawing and the Final 400 can be climbed while avoiding the snow that remains in the middle of the upper half.
The following morning, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast with Doug Sr at the Whitney Portal Store. It was nice to have a lengthy conversation with Doug and Doug after a challenging last two years. This season seems to be off to a good start. Hope it stays that way!
Jim
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#104784 - 05/19/22 02:39 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 05/19/22
Posts: 1
Loc: Australia
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We are hiking up via Onion Valley starting 26 May (and I am coming from Australia). It looks like freeze thaw conditions and snow just over 11,000 feet (and freezing levels over 5000m). I have my La Sportiva boots and snap on crampons but it sounds like overkill (although warm and dry in slushy conditions) and I might get by with just my Scarpa hiking boots. I presume an ice axe is still a good idea? Grateful for any insights.
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#104785 - 05/20/22 08:29 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Niall]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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Niall,
Try to be in Independence the day before your hike. Talk to PCT hikers (off the Trail for a resupply) on the street and at motels about conditions they experienced between Mt Whitney and Onion Valley.
Then drive up to Onion Valley (giving PCT hikers a lift). At the Trail head, try to get more info from hikers coming off the Trail. Give them a ride back to town.
Based on the intel you gather, your skill set, and the weather forecast, make your gear selection and start your adventure the next day.
Jim
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#104788 - 05/30/22 08:12 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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Spent Saturday and Sunday night (5/28, 5/29) camping at the Whitney Portal Campground. Very windy. Hikers coming down the Main Trail reported seeing Flying Tents at Trail Camp.
Took a short hike Sunday morning from Horseshoe Meadow up to Trail Pass. Dry, windy. The tributary of Cottonwood Creek crossing the Meadow was running low already.
Today hiked in Tuolumne Meadows (on the way back home) and saw many PCT hikers already passing through. Apparently, the creek crossings on the JMT were a non issue (water typically running ankle deep). A few of the passes required some work to cross.
Jim
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#104806 - 06/22/22 07:21 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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Went up the Main Trail two days ago (Monday June 20). Weather much friendlier than over the weekend (cold and windy).
No snow encountered on the Trail.
Many campers at both Outpost Camp and Trail Camp.
In the early morning encountered ice on the trail from the Spring at the 23rd switchback. Collecting some water to drink there required work and patience. On return from Summit, ice gone, easy to collect Spring water.
At Summit, great views in all directions were enjoyed. The register had a recent resupply of paper, so likely the Crabtree Ranger has returned to duty for the Season.
Two groups of hikers completing the High Sierra Trail were encountered at the Summit. They reported excellent conditions for hiking on the HST: Snow no longer an issue at the Kaweah Gap. All creek crossings trivial.
Returning to Whitney Portal, many cars were tagged with warnings indicating violation of food storage rules.
Since my return home, new snow has been reported on Mt Whitney. The Mountain has an impressive collection of pitches, so one has to be prepared when stepping up at the plate.
With persistence, it seems the aspiring Mt Whitney hiker can usually secure a last minute reservation on rec.gov and then print the actual permit.
Jim
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#104808 - 06/27/22 04:41 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 06/27/22
Posts: 1
Loc: California
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Trip report (2022/06/23): Microspikes & hiking poles were necessary. Get a minimum of 2L of water at the lake right before the 97 switchbacks. It is pretty much the last water source before the summit. Get 3L if want to be more comfortable. It seemed it was snowing the day before most of the day. I started at 3:30 am and came down at 6:00 pm. It took me 14.5 hours with snow. We were lucky that we had great weather with little snow when we climbed. A pair of hiking poles are pretty much necessary. Make sure to get a burger at the store at the trailhead after you finish. [img] https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-...4-no?authuser=0[/img]
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#104809 - 07/01/22 10:23 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 05/28/22
Posts: 1
Loc: Cali
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(Trip date 6/28-6/30) My buddies and I camped at consultation lake and summitted the next day (29th). Trail was dry the whole way with only a few snow patches left on the side of the trail. I had a wonderful time. There is some water about 1/2 mile up the switchbacks. It is running faster in some spots along the trail. That would be the last water to get after trail camp.
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#104899 - 08/22/22 05:25 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 08/10/22
Posts: 3
Loc: Texas
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Hiked to Trail Camp on 8/17/22 and summited on 8/18/22. Trail is in great shape. Water was only moderately flowing from the spring above Trail Camp, so make sure you fill up at Trail Camp.
This is monsoon season so try to be off the mountain by noon to avoid being caught in an afternoon thunderstorm. It poured down late afternoon of the 17th at Trail Camp, and those we spoke to coming down from the summit earlier stated they experienced rain, hail, and snow at or near the summit.
We had no precipitation at the summit on the 18th. Nor did we have any the rest of the way down from Trail Camp.
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#104915 - 09/02/22 07:49 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Scott W]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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There is no flow from the spring at SB22 anymore... All was dry both on the way up (around 9:00am) and the way down (1:30pm?) on the 1st of September.
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#104926 - 09/12/22 03:10 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Wanted to do a Harvest Moon hike of Whitney...
Weather no good on Friday/Saturday (lots of T-Storms on the radar)
Weather was supposed to be better Saturday/Sunday, but the radar was still showing lot so T-Storm activity on Saturday afternoon/evening.
Weather was good (other than icy - really. the pooling water on the summit blocks was icing up), with 10-15mph wind on the summit) Sunday/Monday.
Lots of water on the mountain...streams sounded louder...The Spring on the Switchbacks was flowing fast...The "Drip" at The Cables made me want an umbrella...hope the weather stays warm, or that section is going to get dangerous in a hurry...
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#104940 - 09/16/22 04:20 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Did Cottonwood Pass to Whitney Portal over the past two days... -Snow on the ground at the Trailhead...probably gone by now. -It's not summer anymore...Crabtree Meadow was tolerable at night, but you'd be chilly with a summer bag... -(Poor NPS Rangers...chasing a missing person who wasn't missing - ruined my visit - they were too busy with the SAR Mission.) -Lots of ice on the ground above Guitar Lake... -Holy ####. it was cold in the shade with the breeze... -Ice was forming at The Cables... -Swichback Spring was barely flowing.
On another note: -Liking the new gear... -15 miles IS my limit to stay comfortable... (21+/17+ made enjoying the WPS Bacon Cheeseburger difficult.) (That was 181x+.) -All of this unsettled weather is making me reconsider a late-season JMT...
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#104941 - 09/17/22 10:19 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 09/16/22
Posts: 6
Loc: CA
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Thanks for the overview - we are planning to do the same starting this Thursday (permits for Cottonwood Pass, exiting Whitney Portal). In our group of three, two of us did Whitney via the portal last year in July with no issues and we've both been in the Eastern Sierras at 12k+ a number of times, the third member of our party also has good experience backpacking; however, none of us have done late season trips. We can handle the cold and have the right gear to deal with temps in the 20s, but I'm not comfortable doing anything involving ice beyond what basic boots/trail shoes and micro spikes can handle. Based on what you saw these past two days, will that be an issue?
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#104942 - 09/17/22 10:36 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: FishRunner40]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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The ice on the trail that I encountered would not be dangerous...it just added the requirement to pay attention to foot placement...it also would probably melt off during a warm day. (I was hiking up the east side of Whitney in morning shade.) There is potential for snow in the forecast that I've been watching regarding my Happy Isle start on the 21st... https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph...54#.YyX8MHaZNGPhttps://yosemiteforecast.com/roads/tioga-passThe ice forming at The Cables was still "up" from the trail (on the wall). Go ahead and ask any other questions you may have...BTW, there is a link to the Crabtree Meadow Weather Station on this website... I looked at it before I started and it showed mid-thirties for lows and I would say this was accurate for the night I spent there.
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#104943 - 09/17/22 10:46 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Another BTW: there was NO water until Rock Creek...a heck of a long way along the PCT from Chicken Spring Lake. (Unless I was sleep-walking past an earlier source...)
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#104944 - 09/17/22 07:19 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 09/16/22
Posts: 6
Loc: CA
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That's excellent info - thank you! We'll make sure to fill up there.
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#104949 - 09/19/22 04:42 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 09/16/22
Posts: 6
Loc: CA
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Thank you! We are watching the forecast as well and will check the webcam.
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#104950 - 09/19/22 07:29 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Based on what I'm seeing... (The "bad" weather seems to be mainly north...)
I'm changing direction, with a bail-out (possible) at Onion Valley...
Gets the real high-elevation out of the way early...
Won't have to worry about what The Switchbacks and Cables will be like in 2 weeks...
I'm only seeing 1 1/2" of snow (at most) on the ground (via station reports) and that would melt away with a day of sunshine... (Hopefully a %$!&-load more snow won't fall in the next couple of days...)
Get that done in 3 days... Waste a day re-arranging transportation from Yosemite... Head back in if weather finally stabilizes into a mild Fall... Still gives me nearly a week to get my resupply at MTR...
Any comments?
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#104955 - 09/22/22 04:16 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Bailed on the late-season JMT hike, but did do another hike up Whitney yesterday (09.21.22)...
Definitely need "winter" clothing on the mountain now... (Guessing 25mph wind...bitter cold.)
The ice at The Cables is creeping down onto the "steps," but you can stay on dry ground by doing a little zig-zagging.
No water at the Switchback Spring.
Ran into a Russian, who's now a green card holder, who lives on Maui...while I was heading down the slab shortcut to Lone Pine Lake Junction...too much fun talking Hawaii and climbing...would have been interesting to hear his take on Russia Today...his family spent time in Israel...really interesting.
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#104958 - 09/27/22 09:10 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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Day hiked the Main Trail yesterday (September 26). Some clouds were around the entire day, but the weather was pleasant. There was a drizzle at the Portal for an hour after the hike.
Still many hikers are completing the HST and JMT. These hikers reported no issues coming up the backside from Guitar Lake. They noted that staffing at the Crabtree Ranger Station has been extended an additional two weeks (now by Ranger Rob) due to the significant number of hikers currently in the backcountry.
As Richard P observed on his September 21 day hike, the Spring at SB 22 appears done for the season. But plenty of water is still flowing through Trailside Meadow.
Ice continues to accumulate on the final third of the trail passing by the Cables. Currently, the ice is easily identified and avoided. However, once there is a dusting of snow, this ice will "disappear," requiring more attention during foot planting and loading.
Some Fall colors are starting to show at Trailside Meadow, around Mirror Lake, and at Bighorn Meadow.
After the hike, at the Whitney Portal Store "rehydration" was accompanied by a fine double cheeseburger. Sorry to learn I missed Doug Sr and Shin by a day. But, enjoyed a lengthy "Round Table" meeting with Becky, Doug, Jack, Kurt W, and my friend Peter. It was fascinating to hear of Jack and Betsy's discovery of Orland Bartholomew's cache placed nearly a hundred years ago at Rock Creek.
Jack and Peter both went up the Mountain today, as the weather remains favorable.
Looking forward to a fine Fall Season.
Jim
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#104959 - 09/28/22 10:32 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Jim F]
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Member
Registered: 12/20/02
Posts: 415
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It was fascinating to hear of Jack and Betsy's discovery of Orland Bartholomew's cache placed nearly a hundred years ago at Rock Creek. That is amazing! Any idea what will be done with the cache? Maybe the Eastern California Museum in Independence.
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#104960 - 09/28/22 07:13 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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Richard,
Of course, it would would be best if Jack responds to your question. But I know Jack is currently quite busy, so I will take the liberty to try to recall what he said two days ago. I have a copy and have read High Odyssey (published in 1974) by Gene Rose and also know about the discovery of the second most southern cache (in Crabtree Meadow) of the 11 caches. Here is my understanding:
Some years ago Betsy and Jack went in over Cottonwood Pass on a backpacking trip. While wandering near their camp close to Soldier Lake, Jack discovered an old galvanized 30 gallon garbage can at the base of a tree. It contained some food. Ranger Dario Malengo was notified. Dario instantly knew it was Bart's (Orland Bartholomew) southernmost cache (the Langley cache) placed in 1928. Dario told Jack and Betsy to take whatever they wanted. Dario would deal with the rest. I do not think Jack and Betsy took anything. Now Jack regrets he did not take the can of Wesson butter (for a historical reason). It is unknown what Dario did with this treasure.
Since this message board is Whitney centric, let's go north to the next cache. The discovery of the Whitney cache in Crabtree Meadow was made by Ranger George Durkee in the 1990's. One day George looked up and unexpectedly saw a 30 gallon garbage can secured in a tree in Crabtree Meadow. He turned it over to the NPS and it has not been seen since.
Pages 62-63 of High Odyssey show a photo with the caption, "This pine-bough wickiup protected the lone mountaineer from storms he encountered along Rock Creek in the first week of 1929. Through the entrance, reflected light shines on tin cans from the Langley cache."
Jim
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#104961 - 09/29/22 07:03 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Jim F]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Heading over Tioga Pass yesterday, I noticed that the Aspens at 9k are starting to turn...I guess it really is Autumn...
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#104964 - 10/04/22 06:34 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 09/16/22
Posts: 6
Loc: CA
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Thanks for the info ahead of our hike! We did the Cottonwood Pass to Whitney and then exited down the Portal, 9/22 - 9/24. The weather was near perfect and we were able to fish at several spots along the way. There weren't many out on the trail - we saw two campers at Rock Creek, two more at Crabtree and two at Guitar Lake. Even coming down Whitney Portal we were surprised at how sparse it was (guessing the weekday start combined with below freezing temps at night might have had something to do with that). I highly recommend the route and I hope to do it again!
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#104965 - 10/04/22 06:36 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: FishRunner40]
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Member
Registered: 09/16/22
Posts: 6
Loc: CA
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The only ice we found on our 9/22-9/24 trip was at a few spots on the trail coming up from Guitar Lake where a spring flows down the path and again on the wall next to the cables coming down from Whitney to the Portal.
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#104966 - 10/04/22 06:39 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: FishRunner40]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Look up the route thru the Miter Basin (Sky Blue Lake)... for an add-on to your next trip.
Glad it was a successful trip... I'm supposed to be on my way to Onion Valley for another trip to Whitney, but...
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#104967 - 10/04/22 07:27 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 09/16/22
Posts: 6
Loc: CA
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Added to the list! That looks beautiful. Sorry your current trip isn't working out - fire in the area?
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#104968 - 10/04/22 12:45 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: FishRunner40]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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FishRunner40,
The Miter Basin is expansive and awesome terrain with a remote feeling, yet only a few miles from Mt Whitney. It can be approached in various ways, many of which are not found in the mainstream literature. As examples, short descriptions of my last two visits are in the these two Trips Reports posted on this Message Board.
Miter Basin/Mt Whitney July 15/16 (2022) posted on July 18, 2022.
Thompson Route to Langley/Miter Basin to Whitney (July 7-9,2021) posted on July 11,2021.
Already starting to plan a 2023 visit to this area, as the permit window will open in just a few months.
Jim
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#104973 - 10/10/22 04:31 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Jim F]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Went up the NF, over Whitney/Russell, down the Arctic Lake drainage to the JMT, up to Whitney and down the Main Trail yesterday...
No ice encountered anywhere on the route. No issues at The Cables. (Noon at the West Side...not a single person seen...only a Coyote at Guitar Lake...lot of still fat marmots to chase...interesting that I heard way more whistling than normal and then saw the coyote.)
Most of the wet trail from a few weeks ago has dried out.
I'd say very few people out on a weekend hike...
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#104974 - 10/10/22 07:38 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 07/04/10
Posts: 141
Loc: Old Agoura, CA
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Hi Richard, quite a day hike.. congrats. Question... do you ascend on the iceberg lake side or on the UBL side to get to whitney/russel pass. Not been up there before. How does it compare to Thompson's pass on Langley? Thanks for your input. Keep up your inspiring hiking for us older guys. Be Safe, Rick
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#104975 - 10/10/22 07:43 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: rick]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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You can get over Whitney/Russell from either lake. The terrain is a bit more difficult (my opinion) above UBSL, so I prefer the Iceberg Lake crossing.
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#104977 - 10/11/22 05:43 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 07/04/10
Posts: 141
Loc: Old Agoura, CA
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Thanks Richard.... Hike Strong
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#104978 - 10/11/22 06:19 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: rick]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Light dusting of snow across the Southern High Sierra … I’ll let you know later today if it turns me around.
BTW. I’m pushing to 200. Want to get it done in my 50th year celebration year… And 10 years after my disaster heading for 52…
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#104980 - 10/11/22 06:35 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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More people than I expected up on the mountain today... Good conversation with some REI Guides who were on an end of season excursion (sans clients) from OV to Whitney. I won't be going up without micro-spikes from here on out... Here are a few photos: Snow was good today, but my bet is icy tomorrow...
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#104986 - 10/19/22 05:04 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Was up on Sunday... I used spikes, but many, many didn't...
Was up yesterday... It's been fairly warm up on the mountain... The best I'd describe it...the snow has been consolidated/melted to the point where there's plenty of rock exposed again and I didn't feel the need to break out the spikes.
Enjoyed plenty of interesting conversation up on the mountain and at the WPS...
DON'T CANCEL YOU TRIPS... (unless we get another storm...)
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#105009 - 10/25/22 10:09 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Ditto... Conditions were nearly identical, even after this most recent storm... There was evidence of new snow, but not even worth thinking about... Although it was a beautiful summit day (10/24/22), it's obvious that temps are dropping...
Ran into RG at Trail Crest (I would have walked right past if he hadn't called out my name)...spent a bunch of time on the summit and then walked down (mostly together...he is still much faster than me on downhills...)
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#105012 - 10/27/22 05:52 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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There aren't that many people on the mountain... SO HOW COULD THERE BE 10 $%^&*() WAG BAGS LEFT BEHIND!!!!!!!!!!!!
My back hurts this morning...
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#105013 - 10/28/22 09:32 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 10/28/22
Posts: 1
Loc: folsom, ca
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I'm looking to be on the mountaineering trail Tuesday, 11/1. Anyone who's been up recently know are the current trail conditions still favorable? I'm an experienced hiker/climber but have not done Whitney. And the things I've read vary widely what the difficulty/conditions are.
Thanks,
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#105014 - 10/30/22 05:35 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: tomkonwinski]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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In reply to the above post...look at the MR Conditions thread...Kurt Wedberg posted some great photos.
hallelujah!
I was not is such a $%#@!! mood yesterday...not a single abandoned WAG Bag was seen...I finally broke 5 hours as a Senior...I got one last Bacon Cheeseburger at the WPS (closing today).
As far as conditions: -Another cool, but Fantastic day on the summit. -Ice on the trail is not an issue if you keep your eyes open. -Think about water low on the mountain...Mirror Lake outlet was the last running water I saw.
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#105034 - 11/14/22 09:02 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 11/14/22
Posts: 2
Loc: Southern California
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Main Trail Report (11/10-11)
Road: A bit of ice on the final switchback, parking lot covered with snow (up to ~8 inches). We helped tow a truck that got stuck.
Water: flowing at North Fork LPC, Bighorn Park, Mirror Lake outlet.
Trail: excellent booth path up to Outpost/Mirror. After that it gets deeper. Windswept snow has covered tracks for the most part. We got up to Trail camp (a couple of our group got up to 13.2 k). Snowshoes needed after Mirror Lake imo.
Beautiful out there!
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#105036 - 11/14/22 07:45 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Rode thru Death Valley with the intention of trying Telescope, but there was too much snow for the time of day my climb would have started...
So, I headed over to Lone Pine and up to the Portal for some exercise...
Doug, there were a couple of DWP guys (working Bishop) at the WPS looking for some burgers...I told them you closed at the end of October and mentioned that they ought to stop at the Hostel to see if you were there...when I mentioned you're a retired Surveyor, they said you would have been based out of their office (Temple?).
I made it up to Outpost Camp in a couple of hours and was pleasantly surprised at how good the track was. (4 spots off-route - probably less than 50 yards of extra walking...)
Met a couple of guys who made it to The Cables and they said they set the High Point for the post-storm season. I'm guessing the traverse after the cable ends would be scary, considering how much snow there is. Don't know that there's been enough to make a climb up the chute/bowl anything less than a back breaker...and maybe an ankle buster.
Parked at the entry to the Overflow Parking Lot. Rode down past the switchback with my feet on the ground (about the only ice worth worrying about... Inyo had to have plowed the road). There were vehicles up at the top...someone knocked over the No Parking/Loading Zone sign...
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#105041 - 11/23/22 08:36 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 11/22/22
Posts: 3
Loc: California
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Hi Everyone, Any recent updates on trail conditions? This Thanksgiving weekend I was planning on hiking up to Mirror Lake and then climb the south face of Thor Peak. Any recent beta on snow conditions, water availability, etc...? Thanks.
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#105042 - 11/23/22 08:46 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: SCerny1]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5228
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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There haven't been any additional snow since the last time I was up there, so...
Unless a bunch of Yahoos went up and trashed the beautiful track (by trying to shortcut it), it should still be "easy" travel up to at least Outpost.
Don't know what route you're talking about when you say South Face... But, the south side (unless you're talking SE Couloir) gets plenty of sun...
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#105043 - 11/23/22 04:11 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 11/22/22
Posts: 3
Loc: California
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Thanks. I'll let you know after our hike/climb. We're going to shoot for the Southwest Slope of Thor (what Secor calls it). I'm hoping for enough sun and melt for scree/rock scrambling. We'll have our equipt (ice axes, crampons, etc...) just in case.
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#105045 - 11/29/22 08:18 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: SCerny1]
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Member
Registered: 12/16/02
Posts: 2955
Loc: Whitney
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We went up to the Portal Saturday many cars in the lots and road is dry to the overflow lot . THIS could change with the storm moving in this week , very colds temps and calling for high wind and snow .
If you are planning a trip it is always best to wait until after a system moves in and out. Don't trust the reports of when , how cold and how much snow ,we have a strange weather area , storms may or may not hit our area , can be very little or feet when inches were forecast.
Add to the mix of unstable weather forecast is the zones one for the 4000-7500' then the mid range 8000-12000 and the 12000 to the summit , also the 13,500 west side of the ridge wind blown drifts and dry most often .
Next where we know the snow will drift and what the sun exposure will have on the snow plus the quality of the snow wet /dry and air temperature. Read a trip report from last week on the mountaineers route this details the chaning snow conditions ,above 12,500 knee to waist deep , then west side dry.
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#105616 - 07/16/23 04:16 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 03/30/09
Posts: 79
Loc: SoCal
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What are the chances that there would be too much snow to summit for a trip planned over Labor Day weekend? I have a trip planned with a friend right before he moved to Portugal with his family and his wife is trying to convince him to postpone the backpacking trip so they can head out early. He’s convinced to stay and do Whitney with me so long as snow won’t prevent us from summiting. To early to tell still? Is there ever been a big enough snow year that you couldn’t summit in early September?
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#105626 - 07/18/23 06:42 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Jeff81]
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Member
Registered: 07/18/23
Posts: 3
Loc: Ohio
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2023 is a strange year. Snow is melting quickly due to the heat wave in part of CA. I would guess mid/late August to be the best time for a clear dry hike.(Usually it is clear by now but no luck ) If heat continues then early September should be ideal this year but I would look up the historical snowfall and make a call. Of course as normal daily weather could cause you to cancel. People go up most of the year so just decide your comfort level using proper equipment if conditions change. Good luck.
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#105770 - 09/25/23 03:49 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 08/02/14
Posts: 24
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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Just looked at the Mt. Whitney web cam at 16:45 today - is that smoke obscuring the view of Whitney from Lone Pine? My 72 old lungs would not like breathing that in while going up the Whitney trail. Pretty clear further south in Ridgecrest.
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#105772 - 09/27/23 07:34 AM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 09/27/23
Posts: 1
Loc: Ca
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Our group has a day pass for this coming Saturday 9/30/23. We are concerned by the weather forecast and are not sure if we should even travel and give it a go. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
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#105791 - 10/12/23 06:41 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 544
Loc: California
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For those interested, I just posted a Trip Report for a hike on the Main Trail on October 11. It is posted under the topic Mt Whitney Conditions which was started by Angela.
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#105804 - 10/26/23 06:35 PM
Re: Whitney Trail Conditions
[Re: Arjun R]
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Member
Registered: 05/02/23
Posts: 2
Loc: Co Cal
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Hi,
Can anyone advise if the creeks and streams still flowing water this week of Oct 26 2023?
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