A mild winter means less than average snowfall...that is it. There are other factors at work that determines what in on the north wall switchbacks between 12,000' and 13,600'...like how late was the snow and warm the spring.
Anyone going in the first two months of the quota season should be prepared to utilize the slope (The Chute) between Trail Camp and Trail Crest. This means having the gear and basic snow skills.
Eventually, hikers will beat in the trail between the cables and Trail Crest, the cables being the usual block. When this happens Champagne corks are popped and everything is right in the Whitney world. Util this happens the chute is the only safe option...if you have the gear and skills.
If you don't have these skills...still go to the mountain, you will have a good time, just do not go higher than you can safely descend.
