Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board june/snow or no snow that is the ?

i'm getting tired of people telling me there isn't or there will be snow in june, but who knows, first timer, going for it, maybe.

might rain

Even in a dry year, snow remains on portions of the trail in early June. The 97 switchbacks above trail camp would be a good example. Don't expect a dry trail all the way to the top. The last storm brought 2 feet and this weekend will bring more. It is only 6 weeks until the 1st of June.

That being said, my hope for a really wet spring is not based on expectations, only on hope.

I think if this is your first time in these parts you hang around here some. A lot of things can happen between now and June; and they are usually reported here.

If I were you I would be prepared to utilize my snow skills, ice axe and crampons throughout the months of May and June.

I've spent the last few months looking at past reports, photos, snow graphs, etc. I've even asked here if I should bring an ice ax.
I've since given up on trying to see the future. I'll check here a few days before I leave and if it looks like I need it, I'll take the ax.

It's been a low snow year, but coming down from trailc rest without an ax in June just seems like a bad idea.

TwoFortyJeff,

I have found when you go to the Sierra it is best to bring some extra clothes and gear...especially in the lates...late spring and summer.

The worst thing that happens is it gets left in the trunk of your car. If you don't bring an axe and crampons maybe you don't get over a pass and ruin a trip after spending a bunch on air fare, gear and time training for a trip of a lifetime.