I'm planning an overnight on Whitney this Saturday/Sunday, with a bivy at Trail Camp Saturday night, summit early Sunday, and return by dark.
I'm looking for reports from anyone who was on the trail late this weekend, after the snow passed.
Are microspikes necessary at this point in time? Any other extra (read: winter) precautions recommended? I have self-arrest skills with an axe, but since we're talking about the main trail here, it doesn't seem like a steep enough slope or deep enough snow for axe and crampons at this point in time, at least from the conditions I've seen thus far. Further, my partner does not know how to use an axe, I have no experience with cramps, and I'd prefer not to carry that gear.
As of now, the weather looks great and should make for a great hike assuming the trail doesn't have too much soft snow, but I'll be keeping an eye on NOAA through Saturday.
