Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney - 10/18 to 10/19

We took the main trail up to an area right behind Trail Camp on Sunday afternoon. It was very difficult to keep track of the trail due to the snow. We were hoping to make a summit run the next morning.

We did not anticipate high winds. Some gusts had to be at least 40-50mph. Our tent held up for the most part, but will need to be replaced as some of the bars broke.

The night was miserable, we likely only got 30 minutes of sleep due to the wind. It was so loud and sounded like an earthquake.

We did not make the trip to the summit due to the high winds on Monday morning and we were informed snow was up to 5 feet along the swtichbacks. If we had crampon's we would have made an attempt, but were worried about the ice.

The other issue was the altitude. One of us (me) was throwing up a lot and had a massive headache. (felt like I was hungover). The next morning I felt good, but did not get much sleep due to the wind keeping us up.

In summary this was our second trip (first trip turned around due to snow). If you go during the winter, buy crampon's, be prepared for ice and snow and get ready for the short days. At about 11pm, a couple came by our tent after making a summit run and were unable to find their tent. We attempted to help by giving them water and hope they found their way.

Overall it was a fun trip. I must say however, we will never go again during the winter. It becomes very frustrating to see the top and know you cant do it when you have come so far.

richierun, sorry to hear you didn't summit, but it was a wise choice to turn back if you didn't have the right equipment for the conditions. If I recall correctly, most of the serious injuries and deaths on this mountain have occurred in winter conditions, and I believe mostly between Trail Camp and Trail Crest. Better to live and fight another day . . .

I think you'll like this mountain much better in the summer season. Good luck next trip!

richierun,

Whitney like all mountains can be a beautiful breathtaking experience or a serious undertaking, with the winter months increasing the level of danger. I too was on the mountain this weekend, summitting Whitney via the mountaineers route on Saturday and Russell on Sunday.

The winds began Saturday night around 1:30am and continued into the morning and throughout the day. I questioned our ability to climb Russell at first but once my climbing partner, souloscrambler suggested we give it a try I was excited at that chance to at least experience a bit of Russell, even if we did not summit. We did make it to the top and were lucky to be shielded from the wind most of the day. Climbing the steep snow chute to the top was exhilarating and although hard it brought back memories of being a kid in upstate New York after the first significant snow fall.

As hard as it was to leave without summitting you absolutely made the right choice. And yes, the mountain offers a more friendly welcome in the summer. With that said, if you think you may enjoy winter mountaineering don't let the season dissuade you. I see too many post citing the dangers without mentioning the options.

Years ago I bought winter gear and hired a guide to learn proper use. Now I am free to climb the mountains in both winter and summer as I am prepared. I realize the winter months add more danger but the risk/reward of the winter climb, with the pristine views and solitude of a mountain less traveled, provide an unique and surreal experience .

Sorry you did not make it to the top but the mountain will be there waiting for you, summer or winter depending on your preference.

richierun...sounds like you have latest time at whitney.wanting to do whitney to summit on friday 23rd all in good shape . do you think from what you saw conditions permit a summit day ?

Hi Lori...sounds like you have good info for whitney summit on friday the 23rd with warmer weather ahead . what do you think ? Kent

Hello,
So far it appears there will be no new snow, but with low temps it will likely remain very icy with lots of snow. We only ran into one hiker that made it to the top. He said he stayed over-night and made it up in 3 hours from trail camp. You mentioned "summit day". Does this mean you want to make it up in one day? Well I would suggest staying over-night or leaving really early in the morning say 2am because the snow and ice really slows you down. Plus, it gets very dark around 6ish.

I do suggest purchasing crampon's and possibly walking sticks. That should help you a lot if you make it to the switchbacks. If it is windy good luck, as the wind really makes it cold and miserable!

By the way, be careful on the trail whenever you hear water. There are certain parts of the trail where snow covers streams. One of the guys in our group fell through and had his feet completely submerged in the water. This was obviously a problem and could have been much worse if he didnt have extra socks and was at night.

Last piece of advice... The trail is hard to follow past Mirror lake. When you get past Mirror lake, there is a point where you see a sign for outpost camp I believe. Rather than following all the footprints, we think you are supposed to go to the right, on a switchback that runs parallel to where we were hiking. I could be wrong, but going left is where we really slowed down and walked over tons of creeks.

Hi Clydesdale,

I summitted via the mountains route so cannot comment on the main trail. With that said, I felt that the conditions were great.

It was easy travel to Upper Boy Scouts lake with little to moderate snow cover. The trail was packed down so we did not have to break trail. From Upper Boy Scouts lake the snow was substantial enough to maintain crampon use. The snow in the chute was solid and allowed for easy travel. Lastly the lakes and streams were not frozen so it was easy to obtain water.

So basically if you have ice ax and crampon experience it was a good winter mountaineering experience.

Hope that helps please let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Here are the pictures of the trip Lori Williams Mount Whitney

Hi Lori...Thank You Thank You your pics are great after seeing them its a go for friday...Really enjoyed all of your pictures from your hiking trips.. Thanks again.. clyesdale..(Kent)

Hello Richierun
Thank You for all the great advice really appreciate the help.
Kent...

Kent

You are welcome have a fun and safe trip.

In addition to my summit post pictures I have a more expansive picture gallery with trip reports on other Sierra climbs at Lori Williams Adventures

Clydsdale- I too am looking at a Friday bid for the summit but my partner backed out. Are you still going? If so mind if I tag along? I am a strong hiker climber with backcountry experience and hopefully won't slow you down.