Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2025

Over due hiker in the Whitney area if you have any information please contact Inyo County Sheriff's Off 760 878 0383 .
Check the Inyo County Sheriff's Office webpage for photo name and details and updates.

I was up on Horsehoe Meadows Road and heard the Helo off in the distance...first thought was "not very long into the new year..."

I may have seen this hiker on the 27th with another hiker coming down from LPL. I am not 100% but they had turned around just before the log crossing and he had told me that he was going to come back in a few days. I also encountered two hikers at the gate closure going up that day as well. I'm not sure why hikers with absolutely no winter/mountaineering experinece are heading up to the whitney area right now. Both of the hikers I talked to had never been in the area before. Very sad.

Update Inyo County Sheriff/S&R post that the missing hiker was recovered . Always a sad event to report . May his family and friends and all that enter the mountains find closure our deepest heart felt condolences.

Sad to see another life lost on the Mountain! Has anyone been up the past week or headed up this weekend? A friend and I are going to be in Vegas Next week for work and plan to head over to check out the Mountain 1/25-26th would love to hear of the conditions. This will be our 5th time on the mountain all in the winter or shoulder seasons always a great time whether a summit is in the Cards or not.

Watch for a report from the guys that posted in the Winter Access Forum...they're up the NF now...

Portal road should open 8 AM on the 25 th Jan. per INYO PW .

On conditions I would stress hard surface as we haven't had storms for weeks now and the melt freeze cycles , also could be tree wells/rock wells and not enough snow to cover the brush in the NF . I have watched the webcam rocks on Thor showing and the area of the route up to Iceberg getting rock showing now.
I talked with some one last week that said they were told on the main trail use the bypass above the Permit sign just past Lone Pine Lake , I suggested if you don't know that area you can end up near the waterfall above Outpost camp area and sections are steep with several boulder fields that could be land mines now .

On the North Fork people often miss the saddle left of Upper Boyscout lake and end up in the canyon North'ly and wester'ly. Enough traffic going to Russel can also lead people into thinking this must be the way to Whitney. On another note there is a great scramble up the prow just past the saddle, some low class 4/5 blocks to scale and a down hill walk into Iceberg.

https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ds_mark.prl?PidBox=GT1810 It's a slow day might add in the sierras and how much water will reduce AMS. We need snow , not the big dumpd of the last 2 years but some.

A couple that will be on the Extracted showing next month Feb 10 will give me some update of a trip over the weekend at least to Lone Pine Lake area .


Please check out the new format for NGS data Sheet details and zoom in on the US map drill down to the summit of whitney and you can see the 4 bench marks click on the triangle and read the data sheet for the the marks Amazing amout of information for the benchmarks Lines and links across the US .

Hey I found this link from the NGS site that gives a very detailed report on all the data on ther data sheet how they are layed out a short read about each line and why and how the points were / are adjusted https://geodesy.noaa.gov/DATASHEET/dsdata.pdf So the next time you find a benchmark get the number/name of the mark and do a search for the history .

Interesting stuff...

On another note: I think I read in one of the SAR Reports that they used a Matrice (DJI drone)...could be mistaken, but even if, reading/watching this drone in action is pretty amazing...S/L less expensive than Helo time...and much less dangerous to the Pilots...

BTW, I was going to come up today...about time there's some photos of the Whitney terrain, but the forecast is calling for 50+ gusts today...No Thanks...Maybe tomorrow...
BTW2, I'm getting pretty good at flying in the mountains if any Agency needs Volunteeers...

Richard, On July 9, 2024 the Scientific American published, "Drones are Doing the Dirty, Dangerous Work of Search and Rescue." Contact the China Lake Mountain Rescue Group and Inyo Search and Rescue to see if they can use the skills you are developing. We could call your drone the "Bob R." Jim

We could BS on this topic for hours...it's fascinating and really fun...
I found the article...going to read it...Thanks.

My wife says she'll pitch in a good portion of the cost of a thip to Nepal this Autumn (marks 25 years since a few amazing events...wouldn't mind going back if the cost is resonable...)...anyway, I've been doing a bunch of reading, again, and it turns out that DJI has been providing "heavy lift, high altitude" drones (I think they flew one to the summit.) to support the cleaning of Mt Everest and also to alleviate the need for so many trips thru the Icefall for the Sherpas...

Went up to Trail Crest yesterday. It took me more time than I expected and unfortunately it was too late to continue to the summit.

And a few pics of the switchbacks.

Cool...beautiful photos.
Iteresting seeing The Cables terrain...

LostinMtn,

Thanks for this valuable conditions update. What was your strategy for (1) drinking water and (2) traction?

Jim

I just carried two 32oz bottles of water. Enough for me to "survive"
On the way up to Trail Camp just boots. I put the crampons on to cross the switchbacks.
I kept them on all the way down because It started getting icy and I never use poles.

1. Trailhead to Lone Pine lake is well packed(high traffic).
2. Good winter trail from the Whitney Zone Sign to Outpost Camp.
3. No trail/tracks after Outpost Camp. You can tell people go up sometimes, but tracks disappear pretty fast.

Nowhere near enough snow to use that alternate right now...


I went up today...started feeling a mild headache before Lone Pine Lake, so I called it at the far end of Outpost Camp...wouldn't have gone past Trail Camp, so no big deal...

As stated in another message...the lower Main Trail is packed really well...I was calling it Trivial...There were tracks heading up to Mirror Lake (guess Lost's)...

Now, the rest of the story...The Road Closed Sign is up, but it's obvious they know people are going around...well-placed to not cause any problems...The Rockfall Gate just past the Turnout at the top of The Switchbacks is locked...A Cabin Owner was up past the gate and I saw him leave in the afternoon...Some people are actually squeezing thru right of the gate and the cliff...

I rode my e-bike up past the WPS to The Old Trail...good track...plenty of dirt showing...same on the lower Main Trail...

The Main Trail from The Trailhead to the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek is mostly dirt...

There were tracks heading up the Mountaineer's Route and lots of dirt showing thru the trees...

Here are some photos of the lower mountain:


WPS.



The Rockfall Gate (locked).



Tracks heading up to Mirror Lake.



North Fork of Lone Pine Creek crossing.



Noticed a few new (for me) signs.



Bottom Switchbacks (dry),



Trailhead.

Adding a little more...
As Lost said, some type of traction devices will help on the packed (icy in spots) snow...I wouldn't want to boot it in these conditions with an overnight pack on...

RE: Water, if you stay left in Bighorn Park (instead of following the rediculous tracks that look like they are going to cut out Outpost Camp, but then double back to the camp) you'll pass the Rockwell's Finest Spring...which is probably the last running water on the moutain...the waterfall at Outpost is frozen solid...the creek at the far end is frozen...you may be able to break thru...

I have some video of yesterday's trip...I just need to find the camera...

BTW, I was amazed at the lack of a billion tracks in a billion directions...there were very few signs of people short-cutting, or thinking they're smarter than the bunch...if this keeps up, we'll have a really fun Winter... (modern day mapping is probably responsible...)

Richard & Lost, excellent photos and video! We just missed seeing both of you, we went up Saturday and got dropped off at the closed gate, fully intending to camp at either the Lake or Outpost. I think getting a bit of a late start didn't help matters, but we ran into some terrain issues (I took a pretty nasty fall) on the final switchback before you make the push to the log crossing and we decided to come back down.

Then with headlamps on, hit a nice patch of ice (twice) that finally convinced me (yes, idiot, put them on sooner next time) to take out the microspikes, still feeling the punishment in my hip today...

A bit irritated that we were just minutes from LPL and had hauled all that gear up, but there's always next time.

My "living vicariously" fix for the day is taken care of.

I once dislocated a finger while prepping for the Final 400' on the MR...Speedy was nice enough to hike down the Main Trail with me...and provided some pain killers...that was a $900 visit to the RC ER the next day...they gave me a Local and the Doc spent about 15 seconds pulling the finger out and putting it back in place...OUCH!!! (to the OOP expense - I think I cheated on my taxes that year and called it a Donation...)


Hiking Up The Old Trail

How often do you go up there? My wife and I would love to meet you for a hike up sometime (we wouldn't be going near as far as you do). Doug talks about you often and knows us, we're in Vegas but we can often make it to Lone Pine in just over 3.5 hours. Tempted to go back this weekend but then I saw the weather forecast, so I think football & nachos will occupy my Sunday instead.

I'm not the type to plan many things, so I go when the urge strikes me...
Let's talk to Doug and see when/if he's going to do a trip up to the Store...maybe a mini-Group Hike (like we used to do on a regular basis)...really I want him because he has keys to the gate locks...:-)
Doug is one of the Greatest Story Tellers I've ever met...

BTW, I'm not longer fast...2 mph max speed on flat trails when I'm acclimatized...less when I'm not...

SMX has started and we're only a few weeks away from the start of the MotoGP season (which takes away Saturdays now and Friday-Sunday when the GPs are happening), so I'm real close to being a mid-week only hiker...(I'm a big motorcycle Nut...although I've become a drone nut and may sell off one of the bikes to purchase a Matrice...thinking I'll get the required Certs and then volunteer to the SAR groups. Doug knows the places where people often disappear and it would be a simple matter to create Waypoint Missions (that could even be flown at night with almost zero risk to anyone) to scan those areas...he probably also knows the people required to give permission to launch in the Wilderness...battery life is still a limitation...east side missions could be launched from outside Wilderness (I'm not going to tell you how I know because I'm scared of the Agencies...some amazing video in my personal collection now...), but west side would probably require a Wilderness launch...)


Another section of the hike:
JM Wilderness Sign To Outpost Camp At 5x
I was chuckling the whole time I watched it...

I enjoyed watching the sped up video to see exactly what we missed. There was a nice dry spot there at Outpost we could have used.

We aren't fast either. You weren't taking many breaks in that video, we often stop to catch our breath. But yeah if there's a Saturday or Sunday hike up with Doug, we'd definitely come out for that. And now that I've seen what we missed out on, if this storm doesn't dump too much I think we're going to come back out on the 1st. Looks like snow shoes might even be overkill for now?

Snowshoes definitely not required up to Outpost Camp.
I'd caution that it's dang cold right now...19 in RC this morning...and it looks like there's some single digits in the Sierra...

Yeah, I don't stop...it takes a long time to warm up and I don't like cooling down.

Those videos are great! We are headed up Saturday morning going to hike up as far as we can get hoping to maybe get to Trailcrest before turning back. One of your videos mentions going up the old trail is that something different?

My understanding of Whitney History is that The Old Trail (pass the store and look for tracks heading up the snow at the "top" of the loop...it passes left of a BIG boulder...) was the Human trail while the current trail was for the Mules...when the Mules were banned, Humans started using their trail...

We take the old trail up usually (right now its more snow covered than the regular route to the sign, though that might be about to change after this weekend). The old trail allowing you to bypass the first water crossing is a bonus, I'm "that guy" that always manages to somehow get their feet wet.

It shaves what, 4/10th of a mile off the hike? On my last two tracked hikes to Outpost, the mileage recorded the same on both trips, 3.28 miles.

Portal Map

The green trail is the Main Trail...the brown trail by the Picnic Area is the Old Trail.,,the red trail is the NRT down to Lone Pine Campground.

Excellent thanks

Whitney Portal Road construction closure is open. Road closed at the lower gate for winter closure , some are driving around but don't take a chance on the weather and getting your car snowed in .Tickets and very large tow bill if you get snowed in.

2 stories...

I once had to make a REALLY LARGE donation to Inyo County for being up past the Road Closed sign, so take Doug's advice seriously and if not be prepared for the fine...

One of Miller's Guys was really nice to me and let it be a Standard AAA Visit...My wife had got us stuck off the pavement and he said that usually they have to charge the Off Road Tow Fee (which I've heard is Outfrageosly Ecpensive)...I would imagine that it would be even worse if you were up past the Road Closed sign...


This car sat there for weeks:




I was up at HM again...There were vehicle tracks and then ski tracks, so someone has keys to the gates...

Here's a Southern Sierra Pano from yesterday morning:

As Planed a buddy and I headed up early Saturday morning. Seeing the forecast we knew it wouldn’t be a summit day. We parked at the hard closure and began up. Hit the Gully when it started snowing lightly. Forecast had called for the front to hit like 12pm but by 8:30 Whitney had disappeared follows by a lone pine an hour later. By 11 we turned back at Upper BS not knowing how long this would last. About midway down the gully the snow stopped clouds cleared but at that point our decision was made and we got down. Had a nice Chat with Blair at Big Willi’s, met 2 other guys for dinner @ Merrygoround that had camped at UBS the night before and got to Iceberg before being overtaken by clouds, then had a great night at Turtle Creek Campground camping in the car. Sunday morning the views of the next front were breathtaking and we shot back to Vegas to hit Red Rocks for 5hrs before flying back to MN. As always Lone Pine and Whitney never disappoint!

So, I did a Proof-of-Concept this morning...put the drone outside the car doot and gave it a Go command...it works...
Now all I need is for the Regs to catch up to the fact that this technology is Safe When Autonomous...especially in remote regions...
And this isn't even a high-end drone...

Here's a video from the flight at 3x..it's a bit choppy, but the scenery was beautiful...
Five Fingers South.

Waiting... 80-81 degrees in Lone Pine Sunday Monday runoff running off one canyon south of Lone Pine very little snow in the Portal Cayden shoveled 6-8 inches off the flat roof of the store Friday , said it was tee shirt weather .

We do have snow just above the Portal but a mix of snow surface and ice due to the melting and freezing System Sunday Monday was high wind and looked like canyon near Cottonwood maybe have a little moisture coming down . Mammoth had rain a few days ago , report upper 1500' had "good Snow" new system coming in Thursday- Friday so will see if we get a dump. Report from Alabama Hills local 0.14 " yesterday and last night.

Permit lottery open now and seeing many questions about picking dates to hike July- August always prime option but that means more apply for that time frame .May and late season prime for experienced climbers NOT someone expecting a warm dry trail with little or no winter travel skills . June things are still in transition some snow/ice can be snow free but ice around the North facing slopes ( 99 switchback area cables and top long switchback before trailcrest.

We will see a guided trips starting shortly and early season climbers going before the quota season starts (Permits still trquired) during this period we often have accidents and a recovery. Slips and falls off route and rapid change in weather conditions,. very short day light hours and often high down canyon winds .


I often read reports person had"little experience" and the next report "very experienced" "The leader had" So after many years and many accidents in the area we understand accidents will happen and each person should consider all the elements they may encounter .

Pretty colors and an amazing amount of Spin coming off the summits this morning...snowfall totals for the sensors I looked at are disappointing...sure there's going to be some really deep drifts...sure wish the wind would settle down...new 4 season tent is still sitting in its packaging as I'm not bold enough to head up into this kind of crappy weather any more...

Interesting webcam image this morning.

Glad I'm wrong and right...
They were saying we might've had snow in RC...didn't happen but I can see the Indian Wells Canyon got snow again...
Looking at the sensors this morning...over 6 feet of snow now at CL and CM...

The only interesting thing is my OCD being triggered by the 24 still on the hill...

Yesterdays storm hit Indy and north plus I made a run down to Socal rain heavy around Victorville and into the Basin but not much in Corona area.

Webcam still showing rock on the north portion of Thor and I still see rock in the North Fork . We have had spring storms that cover from the Top of the Inyos to the Sierra crest and the valley floor covered.Early to plan for summer.The west side always will get a different weather/snow /rain amounts.

I did one of my at least once a year rides up to Lone Pine and home thru Death Valley...dang warm...in my opinion...

Made it to only about 7300' on HM Rd and not even 7k' on WP Rd...(Loads of rockfall...)
There were vehicle tracks beyond where I stopped...

Here are a few photos:










The NPS has opened up some of the Wildrose Canyon Road:

I'm getting that "take a week off work, summit something" itch again, same one I had last year. This Feb it looks like I won't be able to drive up as far as last year if I interpret your pics correctly. I think I made it to 7.5k to park, sleep, and take off in the morning.

The conditions look otherwise easier at least from last months photos. Tx to everyone for the pics and data.

For reference, here is the stopping point in 2024 (Feb) for my awesome all terrain killer vehicle.

When I'm on the e-bike, I have a tendency to "push it" farther because it's light...(I made the Portal last winter with loads of snow on the road...) the KTM I was on yesterday is close to 400 pounds...I don't want to drop it, so when I get to ice/snow $$$$, I usually quit...

I'm sure I could have made it a lot farther up HM Rd and definitely would have gone farther up towards the Portal had I been in a car (on WP Rd.), or the e-bike...

My guess is a skilled driver could probably make the Turnout at the top of the 2nd switchback...a few more days of warmer weather may guarantee that...

Adding the warning that driving past the Road Closed sign may get you a really expensive ticket...

And another comment from yesterday...there were a LOT of cars parked at the lower Turnout...guessing there must be a bunch of Guided Groups up there now...

Regarding: "Adding the warning that driving past the Road Closed sign may get you a really expensive ticket..."

Does this mean the initial partial closure point, right where the road starts really inclining and getting twisty?

Also, does this mean the road past this point is being patrolled for parked cars, or is the ticket risk if someone required a tow out due to being snowed in?

I know your comments don't guarantee anything. I'm just looking to see what has changed compared to recent years gone by.

Doug doesn't appreciate it when I make comments about driving past the Road Closed sign...so now when I do, I put in the warning...

I'm talking about the Road Closed sign down at the Turnout...there's also a gate there, but it's rarely locked...mostly in the Spring when Inyo and the FS are clearing the road (again, this is an opinion...that's the only time I've seen it locked).

Read the bottom of this document for the official Inyo County stance on signage...

I've seen Inyo Deputies/CHP twice on WP Rd (during the closure)...I got the fine from Inyo...probably more than 15 years ago...(I think 5-6 vehicles got tagged that day)...it didn't stop me...

Concerning the ticket risk "if someone required a tow out due to being snowed in.":

If one willingly drives past the ROAD ClOSED SIGN (just past the big parking area on the right at the start of the first big switchback), a ticket will likely be a minor concern compared to the possibility of being stuck in the snow on the Portal Road for weeks.

For a stranded AAA member, I believe the AAA tow service does not apply to those who request assistance on clearly closed roads, unless the stranded party has a compelling reason for driving past the ROAD CLOSED SIGN ( such as fleeing a natural disaster, responding to a medical emergency, etc.). However, if the stranded driver stuck in snow waves a hand loaded with a sufficiently large number of C-Notes, he might get a tow attempt from some enterprising party.

As I recall, in the past on the WPSMB have appeared photos of vehicles which have been stranded on the Portal Road for months.

Jim

Pinto we had a Pinto parked just below the campground for 2 winters, One tow was a group drove to the Portal parked in the lower lot below the Trailhead bathroom and was snowed in , another vehicle parked next to the bathroon and iced in. The person didn't understand winter driving and keep spinning the tires and creating ice , that vehicle stayed to mid June the other 2 One person paid $2500 for a snow cat and plow to get his car out after several weeks coming up and shoveling and couldn't get out. These vehicles were parked for trips that went up and a system moved in and snowed for several days.

The road will hold snow till late April from the shaded area starting at the campground to the Portal and around the pond , the county will plow a lane in and this melts out the road. 1997 Doug and I shoveled 8 days from the campground to the Trailhead( the spring we finished the store) we would dig squares to the pavement haul our material for the morning work and make a cut list go back down and have lunch haul that back up on the sled we made dig more squares and see if we could drive a little futher the eight morning we got the truck and camper to the flat area just at the top of the hill before the trailhead bathroom Living Large! The last area 300' to the store always holds ice and snow as under total shade and around the pond before the current weather pattern this snow would stay until we cleared it again digging squares and shoveling.

The county /FS will clear the road some years but last resort we try to get the road cleared by mid May at least the bypass road before the pond.

Think about having cars, trucks and campers parked in the middle of the road or infront of the gate when the county or FS brings equipment up to clear the road ?

Okay I'm getting the idea.

I grew up driving in snow with rear wheel drive so I have that going for me (in the flat northwestern OH area). Last year I got to the switchback at 7k and parked there (the green integra), and I was checking the weather forecast every day on my Bivy Stick (satellite device) while I went upward. A snow storm that was supposed to come on Sunday was coming in earlier (3 days earlier), so after only two nights up at Lower Boy Scout I hiked down and made no more attempts at the summit, and happily drove my car down WP road and home, all in perfect sunny weather. IIUC the storm that came in later that night or the next day was substantial. In short: I had every intention of driving my own car home, and prioritized that well over summiting.

That link to Inyo's official stance does say "open/closed", so it sounds like the usual situation where the plowing stops down around 6-6.4k ft, take your own risk past that and don't attempt to go through any locked gates.

I haven't camped up there is years...but you used to be able to connect (regular phone) at the "edge" of the LBSL area and UBSL...I've had phone calls and texts from both locations and even posted from UBSL...

I believe I called your car a Lexus last year...someone who grew up in the snow would fall under what I call "skilled driver."

If I head up there, I'll try to remember to DM you with the itnierary so it doesn't look like a SAR event, unless of course my car is there well past the intended exit date. The weather is pretty nice as far as one can see from here.

Just following up here: the weather forecast for Lone Pine is fantastic all week but after digging in at NOAA and mountain-forecast.com this week is a bit colder than I think would make for fun for 5 days at and above 10k. I'd love a window to hang out up high for 3-5 days if it presented itself. Going by Tremper's book and what little else I know about avvy risk that a few inches of snow (predicted up higher) if blown properly can accumulate into quite a sizeable deposit, and create avvy conditions. LMK if you agree, or have general info about where/when that happens on the MR of MW. Having the option to wait, I will. My boss does SAR (volunteer) and are very flexible with time off, nice thing for an outdoors person.

I think the ideal situation is to be retired and have unlimited flexibility, and live close to MW to jump on any pristine weather when it presents itself. Sounds like a few people here maybe

Is that smoke I'm seeing in the webcam image?

Holy smoke!



(It must be Sunday...)

Maybe there's a new pope up on Cardinal Mountain.

Pappy on the ava thing Bob Rockwell some years ago posted his thoughts on the most common areas that slide , I would add a few lower down and on the road just above the first switchback , also the NRT trail as it comes into the canyon and all the way to the Portal , Always the question is it rock fall or avalanche ? Spring conditions we have rockfall that starts small slides . Correct on loading/drifting the backside can be dry as all the snow has blown down and drifts in the lower canyons . I recall one trip up the mountaineers route I had very little snow and wasn't a big event a group from China Lake SAR was in waist deep snow at trailcrest!

Taking a look at Bob R's many contributions to the WPSMB Member Photo Album link on this Message Board, I can't find the paper Bob wrote on Avalanche Risk in the Mt Whitney Area. But two albums are relevant to recent discussions here:

January 6, 2011. "Whitney Portal Road." Vehicles are parked at the Road Closed Sign. Bob, Bill, and Tom hike up the Portal Road to the Overflow Lot. Doug Sr and Doug Jr go further to check out a big branch that fell of the roof of the Store. They all pass the stranded blue Subaru. Above the first switchback is indeed a small avalanche. Note the rockfall on the Road.

In Bob R's March 17, 2009 Album, the Road appears very dry. So why is the Road Closed Sign still there? Dynamite blasting of massive boulders on the Road give a clue!

Jim

Here's Bob's paper on Whitney avalanche areas.

And the original thread is here. (Oh, look, Jim---you were supposed to save a copy! )

No avalanches along the Owens River.

Here's one example of what they're talking about...from 2005...Inyo had already started plowing it away...



I have plenty of others, but don't have the time to search for them now...(planning the Fall Nepal Trip...)

Jeff,

Thanks for retrieving Bob's May 18, 2005 article and the original thread.

Tonight I looked through some old paper folders and found the 2005 article, as well as his update of it on April 10, 2006. The update involves a few word changes and pictures he added for red numbered zones 1 through 7. To see the 2006 update online, refer to the Climbing Articles link on the website of the California Mountaineering Club.

Jim

Thanks Jeff, Jim and Richard for the research . Bob's detail puts the topic on the map and history supports these locations Bob's first climb 1952 so what you are seeing is a very long history for the local area

Up date the Portal Road will be closed just above Lone Pine Campground to Hogback Rd for a culvert repair starting next Monday MARCH 17 and will be closed for several weeks



THE ONLY access is Hogback Rd to the Portal road then about 1/4 mile up to the parking lot at the road closed signs


The road will be closed don't drive up the Portal road to the road closed K rails .
You can take Movie Rd to Hogback or drive north of Lone Pine on 395 and take Moffet Ranch Rd to Hogback


Notice Whitney Portal Rd will be closed , only access is ....


Where is Hogback RD. ?


The depth of the cut will be about 35 feet to get the culvert in and out so massive dirt removal and work activity.

How are things up there on WP road and up higher on the MR? The weather looks pretty nice at the moment, maybe a touch of snow on Wednesday next week and maybe a bit the following weekend but it's looking good. Anyone been up there lately?

No snow until Whitney Portal. Yes it is fairly easy to get up until the Iceberg Lake. There are solid boot tracks.

Looks like Whitney Portal Campgrounds won't open up until May 16 this season(later than usual?)

Does this mean the Whitney Portal area and store won't open up until then? Or will the upper gates be open earlier than May 16th?

Hoping to go end of April before permit season, but not ideal for me to camp below the Whitney Portal elevation.

Any thoughts or info is helpful! Thanks.

I will be on a meeting today with the campground manager and will ask when they plan to open , our plans are as normal mid April we start moving in and repairing any damage from the winter. Permits start on May 1 .

I should add on the first switchback after the lower gate several large sections of rock has slid down onto the road , not that it is the size but the rocks are stacked against each other and the normal use of the loader night cause the others to come down . So going up mid April the hard gate could be locked at the bottom and foot traffic not advised.

Thank you for the information, Doug Sr! I will keep an eye out for further updates.

I bailed on my trip FWIW. The mountain ought to be there next spring too?

Depending on road work and snow removal Campground could open Apr 25, water may be a few days later.

Sounds good. Thanks for the update, Doug Sr!

Cancelled trips seem to be common...
I was going to be up there today, but some scumbag(s) cut the straps holding my e-bike on the carrier and headed off with it...
Slim-to-none that I'll ever see it again...not just my opinion...
Police Report...Insurance Claim (loads of fun in CA...probably going to take weeks to settle this...)
the insurance company wants a photo...this is about the best I have showing what the bike looks like...

Damn, that's awful! Very few things that are more blood-boiling and frustrating than having something stolen. Really sorry to hear.

(I just hope they don't add insult to injury by using your photo as evidence and give you a citation for taking it off road...)

There's actually a 4WD road a few feet away...I think you get 15 feet before you're violating the law...:-)...I"m pretty good at making things look a lot different than they actually are...like those Walk-Ups that look really, really steep...

Thanks. Right now, the sympathy is appreciated...this was one of two bikes in the collection that are favorites...

I suspect Tiburcio Vásquez.

...and he stashed it on Crooks Peak.

I'd check out Robbers Roost first.

Can I get the specieal permission required to fly my drone to check each site?
I'll have to be very careful as a Condor may attack the drone at the Roost...

I told the Deputy that I'm concerned I'm a marked man now (more bikes available to steal) and sure enough...wife comes home last night to some scumbag cruising by the house slowly...
Cameras (and remote controlled guns) are going up soon...

And, to make this relevant...
Don't leave your pack unattended as a bear will probably run off with it...

...and go try to pawn it at Dart Thrift to buy as many 40s of Olde English as possible...

Leave your pack outside the house so a bear runs off with the scumbag...

But in all seriousness, sorry to hear about your E-bike being stolen, Richard. Hope they find him and you get it back.

If you are able to grab aerial updates on different sites that would be excellent!

With a view like that the insurance company will deny the claim without a doubt! "Sorry Richard, but we simply can't afford to pay out your claim when your bike includes Mt. Whitney and a decent chunk of the surrounding area..."


Sorry to hear about your bike! I thought the videos you posted riding up to the Portal Store were pretty awesome.

They're what reminded me to actually make an account here despite "creeping" on the posts since 2023 :p

Like the other replies, I'm sorry to hear about the theft an have plenty of gas to throw on the fire but that won't help.

I also ride a bicycle, a relatively cheap one because I have planned ahead for the possible theft, what would I do if I'm there, or not, etc... The reason I mention this is that in the cycling community there is a list where you can report your bike stolen and often they are recovered. They did actually locate a person of interest that does things like act as a broker for the thieves to take stolen bikes to. If the bikes are inexpensive enough they resell them locally. If they're in the 5-15k range they'll advertise them out of the country to avoid possible detection by the victim and/or LE and if there's interest they'll transport them to whatever locality where there are buyers, so long as the economics make sense. I suspect the same holds for any stolen item: an e-bike, firearms, etc.

The smart and imaginative criminals are very creative. Anyways it might be worth your time to try to locate a similar list where stolen e-bike information is aggregated. I don't see it being a privacy issue for you nor exposing you to more security risk. Hope this helps.

One of the Duputies that I've dealt with in the past told me that there is a gang that cruises the 395/14 Deset Corridor looking for opportunites...and they've managed to figure a way to get the motorcycles across the border without proof of ownership...like a law-abiding person would have to do...

I did get some good news from the Insurance Company...I was figuring I'd be waiting 30+ days for this to settle, but they're sending me the settlement paperwork...and it's a very fair deal...I guess that's one benefit of Inflation and having replacement cost, rather than deprerciated value, as part of the policy...I just wonder how bad the renewal is going to shock me...

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow...gh-elevation-travel-and-altitude-illness

Thought I should add this link gives a few hint's on AMS/HAPE/HACE


I noticed the numbers for HAPE , seems like Whitney isn't that base line , could it be the number that try one day, overnight at 12,000' lack of training or hydration/rate of accent weight of pack?


My thought are simple anxiety plays a part in the program , the "what if" before the hike for people that aren't seasoned long distance hikers, not experienced with snow travel , proper gear for the season and conditions .The vast amount of conflicting information on the social media sites Person A reports .... I have... I did ... if you don't... years ago I woukd say read 10 reports and somewhere in the middle you should get a general idea of conditions and focus on reports from first timers these will be similar to your experience.


Ever heard you got to be off the summit by , it rains everyday at noon you need to start by , you should have at least... gallons of water , It was 90 in Lone Pine do I need a jacket on the hike, The waterproof high tech rain gear failed! I always wear trail runners ( barefoot Bob thinks you don't need any footware) My app shows the trail! does it I suggest go to the trail head and make sure your app displays your position at the Trailhead. I have checked one app that somehow picked the wilderness boundary for the trail. Will your app be active when you lose cell coverage. And the all time every day well 2... I lost my keys we need a rescue I left Chuck around trail crest he isn't back yet ( Chuck has the keys) and it is getting dark someone needs to do something.

My two cents on AMS/HAPE/HACE...

One thing a lot of people don't realize is how much caffeine they normally consume daily. Most have a cup of instant coffee at camp (about 1/3 the usual morning dose) and start getting the headache around Lone Pine Lake or Lower Boy Scout that compounds with the lessening O2. That then leads to the mental stress and semi panic of thinking it's altitude sickness, which usually causes them to turn back, but then get to the Portal Store, have a real cup o' joe and be back to 100% in minutes.

Before taking newbies up the mountain, I recommend "decaffing" or cutting intake way back as part of the training regimen. I saw this improve the success rate of summiting dramatically, compared to just adding caffeine pills or stronger instant along the hike. My assumption being the increased heart rate, metabolism effects, and peaks and drops in blood pressure and general cardio function at altitude being more problematic. Personally, I always felt much better being off caffeine and with a noticeable gain in stamina, able to knock off both Langley and Whitney on a given weekend, or a "jog" up and down Williamson---and a lot less grumpy...

Well, there's always the 24-hour Starbucks on the summit.

Unfortunately still closed for the remodel

In his April 6 post, Doug Sr provides a link to the CDC's "High Elevation Travel and Altitude Sickness." For the treatment of mild HAPE, the CDC notes that in field settings where resources are limited, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor can be used (if nifedipine is not available). The CDC suggests a specific prescription drug. Though the CDC warns, "Descent and oxygen are much more effective treatments than medications."

Since caffeine (not mentioned by the CDC) was just mentioned by Jeff M, it might be noted that caffeine is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Interestingly, in a recent study by researchers in Beijing, China, it is concluded that "Caffeine could be a potential treatment for HAPE."

I usually have some caffeine tablets (200 mg) in my first aid kit and from time to give it on request to a hiker claiming to be suffering caffeine withdrawal (usually due to poor planning). Perhaps it could have another potential use.

Jim

In the Old Days, when I "worked" as the WPS Overnight Security Guard, I would empty the Coffee Machine (at closing) into a fairly large thermos...this kept me from getting the Caffeine Withdrawl Symptoms the next day on the climb...

I'm one of those poor souls who NEEDS to do long, slow, acclimatization...I ususally won't head up much beyond 10k until I've had at least 3 weekends at progressively higher altitudes...

I remember having a conversation with Jim at Horseshoe Meadows (2018) shortly after barfing 3 times as I was prepping for a Whitney climb in a few weeks...


On another note: Scroll to 4:45 for some NPS Info...

I am similar to Richard: Three weekends of activity at progressively higher elevations before attempting a 14,000+' elevation outing.

When I encountered Richard at Horseshoe Meadows in 2018 (May 27), I was hiking at 10,000' to 11,000' el. Two weeks earlier, I had ascended Castle Peak (el 9,103') just off I-80 near Donner Pass. And one week before Castle Peak, my daughter and I were tramping around Giant Forest (7.000'-8,000' el) in SEKI. Still. as expected, in June the first climb above 14,000' was a bit "turbulent." But, from then on the "altitude thing" was not an issue for the remainder of the season.

Jim

I see to be one of the lucky ones, the Altitude doesn't seem to affect me. Even when coming from Sub 1000 foot elevation the day before.


My partner on the other hand isn't too lucky. It seems to be 50/50 for her. First time we attempted Whitney we drove up to the portal the day before, she was struggling just to walk around the parking lot. Decided to not attempt to summit the next day and just take our time and see how far we could get. She was perfectly fine the whole hike, and we made it just above mirror lake before turning back due to time/the snow being a little too heavy to trudge up without at least spikes. (This was in 2023, we had brought crampons and what not, but decided to leave them behind to dump the extra weight since we weren't expecting to make it past lone pine lake)

Next attempt we slept in the Portal parking lot the night before, trying to give her time to acclimate a bit more.

Half way up the old trail we had to call it as she started getting light-headed and ended up throwing up. (That one was scary, we were walking around/doing jumping jacks in the parking lot because I wanted to make sure she was good to go. The speed at which she became not okay surprised me, despite knowing how quickly altitude sickness can start)

Last year we didn't win a permit with the lottery, but snagged an overnight permit and decided to try camping at trail crest the first night. Day one she was perfectly fine even with a decently heavy bag.
Second day she was struggling from the get go. She turned back at the cables and went back to our tent to rest, while I hoofed it the rest of the way to the summit.

I want to say sleeping at altitude makes it worse for her, but I can't say for certain. We're attempting another one day attempt at the start of may, and i'm debating just staying in lone pine overnight and waking up 45 minutes early so we can drive up to the portal vs. sleeping in the car. Thinking that maybe sleeping in a bed might make a difference for her vs. car camping/tent camping.


All that to say, even with me knowing how quickly things can turn south, they definitely turn south faster than you can imagine. For anyone that hasn't done any hiking at altitude before, make sure you read up and maybe watch some videos on AMS/Altitude sickness signs. You don't want to be caught off-guard when someone you're with or yourself starts feeling it.

Better to be alive to try again than to need a trip to the hospital!






(Obligatory summit picture from last year, this was September 8th 2024)

https://www.extremetech.com/cars/kawasaki-unveils-robot-horse-powered-by-hydrogen?ref=thefuturist

When I buy my Robot Horse, am I going to be banned from taking it into the BC???

On another note: Drone manufacturers are starting to call their mini-drones Flying Cameras...J'm guessing to try and get around drone bans...

If they were smart, they'd call them assistance devices for the altitude-impaired. (Probably get grant funding on that, too...)

Another kind-of relevant post linking to a new CDFW doc on Bears:

Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan for California

Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful in the beginning-of-season lottery this year. I’m curious about the chances of securing a spot through the daily lottery or cancellations later in the year.

I’m not very familiar with how this process works—how likely is it that a spot becomes available mid-year? Is it purely luck of the draw, requiring constant monitoring of Recreation.gov, or do cancellations and openings happen frequently enough to make it worth checking regularly?

I got skunked too...and I had listed almost the whole season as acceptable dates...3rd year in a row...

In the not to distant past I read (on the FS website) that the FS DOES NOT put cancelled permits back into the system...I'm hoping this was some numbnet IT employee posting BS rather than fact...If cancelled permits aren't put back into the system, we're hosed as far as getting on the mountain legally...

There is the options of doing a Long Range Hike from Cottonwood or many other trailheads that have permits that are easier to get...

Hmm...I ran into an REI employee once who had shared that he' had just secured permits' and they were heading up that night to hike the following morning.

So they don't have a 'daily lottery'?

No - there is no more daily lottery. All Whitney permits are managed online now - so they likely just got some that had been given up recently.

The Quota System doesn't start until May 1...

There kinda is, but yes, online only... If you miss the initial lottery in Feb, there is a 'secondary' lottery where they release the permits that weren't confirmed/paid for. Check the rec.gov site for Whitney permits you will see a tab that says 'important dates'. So next week April 22 is when that happens. You will need to be cued up & ready to pull the trigger right at 0700 PST they will be gone in 10 mins... If you miss that lottery then you will have to check online every day, or around the time you want to go, during permit season to see what might be available. The problem with that is usually whatever they post is the next day or at best only a few days out. I've been pretty lucky getting permits this way...

Doug went up and checked the Culvert area and the paving is ongoing and looks like most of the equipment used for the project has moved out ,so we could be getting close to THAT section opening. The area above the lower parking lot /first closure was still in place several days ago and active road work above and the Hard closure was in place . Expect that to be the case for the next few days.

We may start working on opening of the store and campground next week , will know more Tuesday.

For the Early May permit hikers plan on snow travel above 10,000' snow is clearing as normal and we should see the ( "'500') a week melt as always the south facing areas will clear very quickly shaded areas very slow to clear and above 12,000 trailcamp the trail is on the side of a north facing slope and will hold snow longer also this area will have a different melt cycle as the snow changes from "state to state" , look it up ! a good read and helps explain mountain weather.

Don't forget jackets and snacks !!