Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mt. Whitney current conditions

Just checking on current conditions. After trail camp go up the snow chute or are
the switchbacks somewhat snow free?

Thanks!

Before, or after, the incoming storm this week?

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-118.28345&lat=36.57045#.VVK6D_lVikp

Actually, probably doesn't matter. There is snow on trail now, based on recent reports as well as what you can tell from the webcam picture (snow on Thor means snow at and above Trail Camp). There will be more snow on trail after the storm. Whether you can use the switchbacks will depend on your personal comfort level with snow, ice, and some very steep angles.

Hi System moved in early this AM light snow in the Portal , several groups started up and returned .It is not a weather thing it is "Are you ready for full winter conditions"

No, I am not. Let me know when it's bone dry up there.

The hiking expert at REI said with the right trekking poles and Vibram shoes you can get up Whitney no problem. (He says he hasn't done Whitney yet, but as soon as he finishes his massage therapy certification hours, he'll head up there and "crush it" and then give us all a report.)

Barefoot? With crampons? No problem for this guy.

http://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/trail-news/the-barefoot-mountaineer/

I did Whitney yesterday via the main trail. Aside from a few minor patches, the snow line is now approx 13K'. As far as I could tell, everyone was using the chute for ascending/descending. I looks like someone did the switchbacks several days ago, but no recent traffic. Right now the trail is snow-covered above 13K, including the west side (other side of Trail Crest).

I have a permit for Thursday and I'm just curious what kind of technical gear you needed for ascent? Crampons? Ice Axe?

That's what most were using (except for the PCT-er's who came up from Crabtree). There's now a place in Lone Pine which rents them.