Here's the avalanche report that Ken posted several years ago. His source was the
Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, but I can't find it now.
Here's one from 2006, on the Mountaineer's Route:
Brief Account from 4 Climbers Who Survived Whitney Avalanche:
Four climbers survived an avalanche below Iceberg Lake on April 4th. Climbers began ascent of Mt. Whitney on April 2nd in good weather. Climbers checked forecast which predicted snow before departing. Climbers were not aware of a severe winter storm warning if in fact one had been issued by then. Climbers ascended the Mountaineers Route, camping in the drainage on the first night. Climbers ascended to below Iceberg Lake on April 3rd. Weather conditions deteriorated during the afternoon and early evening, with light snow and winds, sometimes gusting. Camp was set on one side of a small gully, providing some protection from the wind.
Weather conditions worsened during the night of April 3rd with constant snow and increasing winds. Upon awaking on the morning of April 4th, climbers were confronted with high winds and near white-out conditions.. Climbers decided to descend. Upon dressing, climbers ate and made water inside the tent because of the wind. As climbers were preparing to leave the tent, there was a tremendous gust of wind and, within seconds, the entire tent was buried in an avalanche.
When the avalanche ended, Climber 1 was nearest the surface, approximately 2.5 feet from it, and able to move his arms above his head. Climber 2 was beneath Climber 1, under several feet of snow and unable to move much. Climbers 3 and 4 were pinned together beneath Climber 2. Climber 1 punched through to the surface, climbed out, and began excavating the hole from which he emerged with his hands (shovels and other gear were buried). Climber 2 was able to talk and provided direction. After many minutes of digging by Climber 1, Climber 2 was able to free himself and move up out of the hole.
Once freed, Climber 2 did not exit the hole right away, though, concerned that the hole would collapse and suffocate the climbers below. Climber 2 communicated with Climber 3, and immediately began excavating the hole further with assistance from Climber 1. The excavation freed Climber 3, and Climbers 2 and 3 then climbed out. Climber 4 then climbed out following Climber 3. During the entire self rescue, climbers attempted to control their breathing and remain calm. Climbers believe that the tent structure may have created small air pockets and that the loose snow may have played a role in allowing enough oxygen to the climbers below.
Once all four climbers were on the surface, they recovered two sets of snow shoes and began their descent. Climbers descended in white out conditions. Heavy winds with gusts they estimate at 70 mph or more frequently pinned them to the slopes. Snow was heavy, and climbers without snowshoes post-holed often. Climbers rotated lead and attempted to descend through rocky areas to avoid triggering more avalanches. Climbers crossed avalanche prone slopes one at a time when crossing them was unavoidable. Climbers nonetheless triggered a small avalanche on the descent, from the top of a small chute, which the lead climber rode down.
Climbers hope this account helps others and are grateful to be alive.
