I started the switchbacks at 9:00AM 10/16. It was easy in the snow pack to the cables. I got scared after the cables because the trail was very thin and snow was coming down. The way it was coming down on me at that time I was worried the trail would be covered in an hour. I was warm and prepared for snow and rain but I was afraid I would not find the switchbacks if they were covered with snow on the way down. experienced people were turning around then too. I was afraid there would be no one left to help me find the trail if I tried to go on. It is so hard to get permits for Whitney that is why I tried even in the foul weather. I was rained on all day 10/15. Just wet wet wet. I pitched my tent in the dark with cold stiff fingers. I will try next year but next time I will not go if there is any snow in the forecast.
