Doug at the Whitney Portal Store posted an update on his message board:
Quote:
First day we are getting reports that people are making the summit and not having much trouble on the backside. A track is in now which should make the next few weeks somewhat normal for this time of year, so expect the the 500' snow line a week , meaning that from say 12,500' up the snow level will clear 500' a week and say 2-3 weeks the switchback should be somewhat clear if not before.
This depends on cloud cover during the day and if people start forcing a trail up the switchbacks may lay in a track sooner. Cable area will be like a month ago. The end section of cables will force you up onto a blind corner and you will need to move up and join switchbacks above , this is always a problem area.
BRING SUN SCREEN AND SUNGLASSES we are seeing many with burns and snow blindness . Try long sleeve and long pants, also hats that will cover the top of your ears.
Biggest takeaway: the importance of sun protection. Sunglasses are mandatory when hiking over snow!!! Sunburned eyes hurt for days, and feel like you have a load of sand in the eye.
UV bouncing up from the snow can burn the insides of your nostrils. Don't even think about hiking naked.
Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
