Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Main Trail May 30, 2021

Enjoyed chilly and breezy conditions on a hike up the Main Trail yesterday. Attention was paid to some clouds that appeared in the afternoon, but they decided to move on elsewhere.

On the Trail there was no significant evidence of the snow dumped during the storm on May 21-22. However, the creeks were certainly flowing stronger than when I visited the Mountain on May 12. The waterfall in Bighorn Park has finally returned.

According to the Sierra Wave, the Mt Whitney hiker (starting from Whitney Portal) who separated from his hiking partner and vanished on May 21 during the storm, was finally found (alive, but cold) on May 23 at Timberline Lake and extracted by air.

Although snow is no longer an issue on the Trail, the Summit Shelter is not quite ready to accept overnighters. Most of its floor remains covered with ice. The solo Summit tent camper said he endured a really cold night.

The Final 400 of the MR had scattered snow coverage (maybe 50%).

Consultation Lake is now clear of ice, but Iceberg and Tulainyo Lakes remain frozen.

The Spring at SB 23, my favorite potential last source of water, was a mix of ice and flowing water during the early morning ascent. The ice on the trail there was gone by the late morning decent.

Of note at Whitney Portal is that beginning a few days ago, all campsites at the Family Campground are now reservable. No longer are 40% of the campsites held for walk-ins. I have been staying at the Campground on the Memorial Day weekend for many years.My first observation on this new arrangement is that there seems to be more families camping there this year and fewer hikers. There were certainly many kids having a good time. No bears yet.

Trailhead parking was readily available during the evening. But during the day, the overflow lot filled quickly and cars were parked far down the Portal Road on the shoulder.

No suggestion that the upper walk-in campground will open this season, but some people were camping lower at the Ravine Campground.

Hope that the absence of fire/smoke continues.

Jim

You must have September on your mind, Jim.

Readers: Substitute "May" for every instance of "Sept" in Jim's informative and valuable report.

Hightinerary,

Your comment is appreciated. It is too late for me to edit the post, but maybe the Moderator can change all the Septembers to May.

That's what 14,500' does. It kills some brain cells and leaves the surviving cells thinking it is Sept and not May. At least, I descended back down the east side of the Crest after leaving the Summit. They remembered which direction to go for a double cheeseburger!

Jim

Quick update Jacket and snacks day! windy and cold temps in the 20's and 46 this am at the Portal also wind all day , many turned around at trail camp (free tents blowing around!) Test on the new cleaver trap system might work if they find the trap. Several groups made it and we had several groups come over from the west side so by default they just came down reported strong wind gust on the ridge. So weather today isn't like yesterday or say next week, we put very little faith in weather reports or trip reports about how it will be in the next few day weeks or months . Just plan bringing enough gear that will keep you warm and secure. Last hint Get the car keys if you turn around and don't lock the keys in the car at the other trail head. Print your permit before you arrive .

Ok 40 in the Portal ,good news wind lower down calm.No reported rescues from yesterday but lost phone already report at 8 AM ,note turn on lost phone app
Or unlock your phone so when someone finds it they can call you.