we are planning to go up on MR the coming Weekend. (Feb. 12) Originally we were planning on bringing snow shoes or skis. But with the almost snow-less January we were wondering if snowshoes are still necessary or if crampons are enough. Has anybody been up there in the last couple days and weeks and can comment on the conditions? Also is the North Fork lone pine creek completely frozen or is there water accessible at LBS lake or UBS lake.
I climbed Mt. Whitney via the main trail on January 28, and I talked to a guy who did the MR on January 26. I would recommend snowshoes or skis up to wherever you camp. I didn't need snowshoes above Outpost Camp on summit day. You might find a water source, but I would definitely take enough fuel for melting snow. If anyone has been there since I was there, they may have more current information.
We are leaving tonight around 6. I think it would be tough to sort out all logistics in the next few hours. Otherwise it would have been nice. Maybe for another trip.
Yes, definitely let us know how things look going up the North Fork. Probably too late for Hubert, but as a FYI, there is generally water available @ LBSL, even in the coldest winters. Kinda doubt it though for UBSL.
As of 12 February cars were able to drive up with .25mi of the portal(including a minivan, so 2wd is fine). The north fork doesn't require snowshoes. Snow conditions in the couloir are great for climbing. No running water above LBSL.
We successfully climbed Whitney on Saturday. We didn't take snowshoes and we didn't need any. We had a good hard packed footpath. Water at LBSL, but not at UBSL or Iceberg. But looking on the weather forecast conditions will be very different for next weekend.
