Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Russell via Mithral & East Ridge Descent

It's been a few years since I've been up to Russell and could use a little beta about snow conditions and the route planned.

I'd like to camp at UBSL, hike up to Mithral Dihedral the next morning, climb and then descend the East Ridge back down to my campsite.

Will crampons be needed between UBSL and Russell, or for the descent down the ridge?

Is UBSL snow-less at this point?

We were up on Thor Peak yesterday. There is some snow between Lower Boy Scout Lake and Upper Boy Scout Lake. I didn't take many pictures that direction...except this one. Upper Boy Scout Lake is still frozen over.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2504307410061435028OhOmbo

The route from Upper Boy Scout Lake to Mt. Russell via the Russell Carillon saddle is mostly clear of snow...except for some snow drifts here and there. There would likely be some snow coming down the east ridge of Mt. Russell.

I suspect your approach would be via Iceberg Lake. Getting over the Whitney Russell pass is a little difficult without crampons this early in the year....but from the pass to Mt. Russell will be dry. This would be typical for this time of year.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1382961868061435028NfDATU

I'm going to be up in about 10 days too. Any thoughts on snowshoes? Will crampons do the job?

Thanks in advance!

Just got back and had a great experience climbing the Mithral.

I did not bring crampons or snowshoes. Hiking poles with snow baskets were helpful.

Snow starts at LBSL. Water is easy to get at UBSL, even though it is frozen.

Catch the snow early in the day to avoid any post-holing.

Brought doubles of Green Alien up to triples of #1 and #2 Camalots and double #3s. Used 1 set of stoppers (10 nuts) barely. Used 6 alpine draws.