Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Need some advice, please...

Hows it going everybody?
This is my first summer where I got selected through the lottery and Im going to be going up Whitney during the weekend of June 13-15. My main concern is that is it going to be necessary for me to bring ice axes and crampons? I spoke to one of the rangers and they said that the dangerous parts that have ice and snow should be melted, but still leaving plenty behind. he doesnt think that it should be necessary but Im kinda looking for a second opinion. Let me know what you guys think...
Thanks,
Andre G.

It's starting to look like the snowmelt is going to be very similar to last year, in about three weeks. That having been said, you may want to take a look back in the archives, here, and see what was happening a year ago that week, and the week before, and that should give you some idea.

The only other reliable thing, is to continue to watch trip reports that get posted from here to then, and see how things are developing. However, the snow does seem to be melting in the Sierra quite quickly.

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/reports/PLOT_SWC.2008

Do not rely on Inyo National Forest to give you accurate condition reports. I have found their reports to be wildly inaccurate during periods of changing conditions.

As Ken said, keep an eye on this board for condition reports.

I have a couple of observations/opinions regarding bringing an ice axe and crampons up the Whitney trail in June.

I believe that the biggest factor is how familiar are you with their use. Do you know how to do a self arrest with an ice axe? Have you walked in crampons enough to avoid falling by snagging them on your pant leg?

If you have little experience then I would suggest not. I believe the risk in this situation is that it is easier to continue on in a situation where you should really turn around.

If you are me (I have actually had to do a self arrest and I have done a epic face plant because I snagged my crampon on my pants), I make this choice based on maxing the fun factor.

If I need them, and I have them with me, that IS FUN.

Kicking myself because they are down in the car and I need them is NOT FUN.

As for carrying them and not needing them, well, they can keep the down jacket that at the bottom of my pack company.