I always look forward to going over OAP, provided I believe the snow has sufficiently melted out. But even then, invariably there are still a few short stretches of snow/ice on the trail at the very top of the pass, where a fall could have one screaming down the lengthy couloir directly below. Passage has been accomplished by scrambling on rock above the trail near the top, with careful assessment of the fall zone below.
Falls at the top of the pass have resulted in several deaths of hikers (both skilled and unskilled) tumbling down the couloir. I recall three instances where this occurred on descents at night or in deteriorating conditions.
Trip reports like John's are very useful in giving us the opportunity to see what we are getting into or want to avoid. John, thanks again!
I hope to be in the Miter Basin and on Mt Whitney over the upcoming 4th of July weekend and am taking careful notes on the NAP and OAP conditions.
Jim
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