Steve, I'm trying to make sure I understand what you're saying about the overnight no shows correctly. If he wants to try to get an overnight permit for Saturday night, they become available Saturday morning at 11am? Is that also the time for weekdays? I thought I read 10am at some point in time. Thanks for any further clarification!
No, 11 a.m. is the magical moment. Walk-in permits for all other trails in Inyo become available at that time, too (but for starting the hike the NEXT day.)
Read Box 6 of the Wilderness Permit Options (link is above on the left) Here's a direct link:
Box 6