Thanks for posting this, Steve. I wonder how many posters have actually read it... The local INF rangers are writing:
"Winter trail conditions: Significant snow and ice at all elevations. Ice axes, crampons and skis or snowshoes may be necessary for a safe and successful trip. If storms occur, they may include wind, heavy snowfall and arctic temperatures. Obtain a current weather forecast: http:www.weather.gov Avalanche Advisory"
At the present time trails above 9,000 feet have snow cover, which varies depending on whether they are North or South facing. A few of South facing slopes at around 9,000 are snow-free. Of course, someone is going to ask the usual stupid questions: "Which part of the Whitney trail is snow-free?" or "Which parts of the trail are in the shade?" Sorry (actually I'm not), but we keep seeing a level of plain old stupidity from people who either can't/won't read or make a simple telephone call to local ranger stations to get the latest information.
