Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Planned September climb

Last July I climbed Mt. Langley and told myself I would come back and do Whitney later that year. I got a day permit for middle October and bought tickets from MS to LA. Two days before my date, I think it was Wednesday 10/19, a storm swept in and snow arrived. I had been reading this Board for some time, and was aware of the dangers of the snow melting and re-freezing by the cables, among others, for a winterclimb. And, not being qualified for a solo winter climb, I bagged the whole trip. Found out later people did summit without any problems. But, I felt I made the safe decision, plane tickets or not. (Had a good time in LA regardless).
Well, I am back in the same boat. I have a day permit for September 28, and am about to buy my tickets. I know from reading posts here that fall climbs can be spectacular. But my question is this: would I be safer to try to get a permit for one week or two weeks earlier in September? Do storms usually come in towards the latter part of September? I know there is no certainty in these things, but thought someone might be able to shed some light on whether my chances for good weather is drastically reduced towards the latter part of September as opposed to the early part of the month.
Part of the reason I picked the 28th was that the 26th is full moon, and I figured it would be magical hiking in an almost full moon.
I appreciate any help and info anyone can provide
Hans

There are no guarantees when it comes to the weather. On August 5, 2005, I hiked up Whitney and a week later it snowed about 4-6 inches at the 12,000+. It is a crap shoot. Either you are lucky or you are not. With the weather patterns and phenomena being the way they are it is anybody's guess what can happen on the MWT.

My two trips and two cents worth:

Of course you would like to optimize your chances regarding your travel schedule and the chance to hike. For someone living near there, it is easier, if the weather is bad, just wait a day or two, unless the ice is there to stay for the season.

Last September when I was there for the MR:

15th - was told it was first big cold snap of the year and "on time" . Strong winds blew over a truck on 395 and winds over the ridges were mad. It was same week I experienced same thing there in 2004 as well.
16th - pants-leg flapping winds and light winter clothing on my acclimatization hike on Mammoth Crest.
17th - hike to UBSL to camp. 24F that night but calm. Very little running water, so no ice on the still-warm rocks.
18th - MR summit day. cool start but great for speed. Calm and 45 at the top. 70 by afternoon back at the Portal.

I purposely avoided going any later in Sept as my sources told me the third week in September begins the weather pattern changeover. I'd rather leave my technical winter gear for elsewhere. Hope this helps, Harvey

I have hiked and backpacked the summit in September, and plan to take my son there on the 22nd (backpack). I agree, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Worst case scenario you get blown back down; in which case, read the weather and be wise. It's unlikely you'll come up with a storm that will ice up the cables in a single day.

If you are nervous about the weather (and/or don't have a lot of winter/storm experience) watch the NOAA forecasts, and make sure to carry your essentials, with emergency shelter and warmth supplies, and plan to be down at the 10,000ft level before dark. It can absolutely be done.

Thanks for your replies and advice.
I went ahead and changed my reservation to September 13. I figure that would buy me two weeks of insurance from an early winter storm. Hopefully it will be spectacular fall weather.
Hans

Ah, I remember that Labor Day weekend Friday when it snowed all the way from North Lake to Piute Pass and I spent one on my coldest nights in the Sierra at Desolation Lake.

The weather in the Sierra is unpredictable; therefore, come prepared. The coldest day I have spent on the summit has been in August, much colder than this past May.