Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Can I leave my Crampons Home?

I am headed up the main whitney trail in late April. Does anyone have any opinion on whether or not I can leave my crampons home for this climb. I am not doing the mountaineering route. I am trying to trim some weight, but have some doubts about not taking them. I have never taken this route in April and need some advice.

Leave the crampons home????.....I wouldn't think so. Even in a light snow year, you would expect significant snow above 10000 feet. The 97 switchbacks would be the biggest concern. If you travel early or late in the day, that area can be icy.

For example this photo from Bob R's trip April 30, 2008

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/2460231704/in/set-72157604845354032/


Here are the rest of the photos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/sets/72157604845354032/

You almost certainly will need crampons in late April. I insert the word "almost" because I do not use absolutes when predictions are involved. Probably will need them for most of May, too.

Do a search on my name (Bob R) and the keyword "crampons" for the last 5 years. You can look for dates around yours to get historical snapshots.

In mid-May 2007 after then mildest winter on record, we utilized ice axe and crampons most of the time above Trail Camp.

There are no absolutes, as Mr. Rockwell says, but I would not leave home my axe and crampons for a trip in April.

I'd, also, seriously consider snowshoes...depending on reports.

Definitely not.

I was up there this weekend and they were a requirement.

I got tired of the mix of snow and gravel/rock about a half-mile from the summit, so I dropped them. It almost cost me the summit. If I hadn't been able to find some rock (heading onto steeper terrain than it should have been), it would have been all over because of the "bullet" proof snow on the final traverse to the summit plateau.

Thanks guys! Your all first class!