Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board When is the road going to open?

The Puddle that used to be South Lake...

Agreed and Sabrina isn't much better.

Upper gate open
A quick few hints dry trail at the lower elevation .Then snow and ice ,the problem area is after trailcamp many are turning back at this section .We have had several late season storms so snow over ice.
Cold and wind also a problem ,conditions make the hike slower so be ready for extended h ours in the Cold water may also freeze in the tubes if using a bladder system.
The need for full winter mountaineering and high elevation travel.

Cold snap could be moving out light breeze in town and warm , not cold so might get back into spring weather ( well this cold snap and snow is spring weather for us)
Report yesterday most were turning back at Mirror Lake , wind and very cold.
Talked with one hiker that used the switchbacks Monday but said very icy and would not do it with spikes, same with the chute. This cold system was day and night so surface would not soften ,Trail is mostly dry to the bottom of the chute/switchbacks and west side . Now sure in August in Death Valley in a 400 ' foot crack you might find snow/ice. So we still have snow and ice but not like a normal year.
High today was 39 but down to 33 at 6 PM . 8-10 cars in the lots so many didn't show up.
Bring the gear and layers just in case this system hangs around a few more days .

Cold wind last night so snow will be icy until this system passes, 44 in the Portal 11 AM

Hiking group left packs out in the campground and food so bears had a treat, this also means they(bears) will be back everynight so thank the hikers that put your car at risk your food and your packs that you thought are safe as you go to the bathroom or take the group shot at the trailhead.

Cable area somewhat better this week many are making it up the trail , many are still turning back at the cables. Gear for snow/ice would help. See Jim F report of his trip this week , only thing changed was the cold air mass yesterday.