Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Early June weather and trail conditions?

I know it is still 2 months from now and hard to predict exactly, but I was hoping some of you might have an idea what myself and others with early permit dates could expect the trail to be like around June 2nd? I am assuming there will be a good deal of snow still on the trail especially above trail camp. I really appreciate any input and recommendations you might have! I hope everyone has an amazing 2010 Whitney season

Howdy,
This is my favorite time of year to play on the mountain. Your pack will be a little heavy, but the pay off is lighter crowds and a bit of the winter white to play in. Low down (below Lone Pine Lake) all is pretty straight forward. If there is still a bit of snow on the ground you will need to pay some attention depending on the amount of light(time of day) Once again, things are pretty straight foreward until you get to trail camp. You will be faced with a choice. Snow field or the trail. Both will require the use of crampons and ice axe. The cable section WILL BE ICY. This is not the time to be breaking your pons and axe out of the box for the first time. Once at Trail Crest there will be sections of the west side tht will get your attention. (Snow and ice) I have been in this neck of the woods this time of year for the ast 16 of them. The temp range has been from a low of 10 degrees to 75 degrees.
The bottom line is...This is a sholder season. Like the fall, ya gotta be ready! On one day trips, I take off at 0100 in the morning. A little early but I love the timing of the trip. Burgers and beer at the trailhead. Hav fun!

Tad

Be prepared to go up the chute from Trail Camp to Trail Crest and doing the normal winter fashion show on the west side...on with the crampons and off with the crampons.

If you are unfamiliar with climbing a slope like this chute, visit Mt. Baldy Bowl in the next couple of weeks. The only thing missing there is 4'000' of elevation.

We did in May 3 years ago. It is the favorite of all my Whitney trips...OV to WP comes close.

Hey thanks! I had a feeling that was going to be the case. Okay, I want to do this right (and safe), are there any one day winter skills classes in bishop, Mammoth, etc in late April or early May that you might recommend?

Check out either Sierra Mountain Center or Sierra Mountaineering International, both Bishop based, to find out which one offers a Basic Winter travel/Basic Snow skill course whose time is convenient to you.

It will be the best chunk of change you have ever spent.