Thanks for all of the responses so far. I particularly like the response that the switchbacks should be usable by June 12 :-). I doubt I could summit Mt. Shasta anymore in a day hike either, but that has more to do with the restrictions they have placed on hiking to the summit. Both times I summited well after noon and had no problem getting back before dark, especially the second time when I glissaded from Red Banks down to Lake Helen. Sounds like glissading down the Chute at Whitney is a much more difficult/dangerous proposition though, so even if I go up the Chute with crampons and an ice axe, I doubt I'll take the express elevator back down. I'll continue to skim through the discussions on this forum, getting what advice I can, but any advice someone feels like posting here is greatly appreciated. I'm no mountaineer, just someone who enjoys hiking, wants to continue to hike as long as my knees allow it, and wants to be prepared.
