Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board MR- Chute vs. Traverse

I'm heading up the MR solo for my first time on 8/4. I'd like to thank DMB and BeachAV8R for their detailed posts which have been very informative, however, I'm unable to find any mention of anyone using the traverse above the notch.
Can anyone provide any info or advice on using the traverse rather than the chute at this time of year when all snow and ice is gone??

Also, where is the last running stream available headed up the MR??

Thanks Much!

just below Iceberg Lake - picture shows the waterfall ascent to Iceberg - I usually take water right around the corner from this as opposed to taking it out of Iceberg Lake - although I know those who drink from Iceberg also(unfiltered of course)


edit: Saturday I did see a group of 3 coming down chute #2 - I did not see which way they went up - also I missed them below(traverse to notch) so I have no actual conditions update. but since I did not hear wild screaming I can assume they made it fine

Interesting that you'd ask about the traverse. There is a thread on page two

"The "easy walk off" just got creamed!"

http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/38130/page/2#Post38130

That discusses the witnessed rock avalanche of a week or so ago.
I've not heard any reports of anyone crossing there since, and I'd be cautious, as there has to be a lot of loose, unstable rock sitting there right now.

Chute. Definitely chute. I remember talking to Doug before doing the MR back in May and distinctly remember his impression of the "easy-walk-off". If you take your time, there are plenty of routes, hand/footholds, and flat rocks to rest in the chute. Like Doug told me, it looks worse than it really is.

I got quite a few pics from that trip, and there are pics from both Mike and Richard as well in the set. They might help you out a bit. Look here.

Good luck!
-Laura

I think there used to be a traverse at the top of the chute which would avoid having to go up the notch, however a rock slide took it out. From Iceberg lake there is no traverse to avoid the chute.

On the chute many people stay left on the solid rocks to avoid all the scree. Stick left about 80% of the way up, then you cross over to the right for the last 20%. The path will seem pretty natural.

The Notch is the steeper part, and a bit more intimidating. Most people start left for 50% then cut over to the right and continue up scrambling over the rocks. There are solid hand and footholds.

Your last water is at Iceberg lake so no worry on water.

Thanks for the tips,

I'm really looking forward to doing the MR, although, I must admit the chute makes me a little anxious