Greetings!
I'm currently in final prep stages for my first trip to Whitney next weekend (May 29th-June 1) and will be going solo. I'm pretty well prepared in terms of gear and physical conditioning. That being said my questions and concern for the most part revolve around route selection after trail camp - from my research it appears, aside from the physical exertion, everything prior is pretty straight forward and well worn.
I've seen some posts which indicate that the switchbacks can be closed at times due to excessive snowfall or ice and as such hikers are forced to take the chute.
1. Is that a correct statement?
2. How will I know if the switchbacks are in fact closed or risky?
3. To be honest i'd prefer the wider, albeit steep, chute over the more precarious switchbacks if possible - where do i make that decision on the route?
4. Do people typically carry their full pack up from trail camp or do they leave it for a quicker ascension?
5. If so is it safe? I mean not only from other people raiding your gear, but from marmots and other wildlife?
Thank you in advance for the information. I'm a little bummed i'm going solo, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity.
