Cannot speak to Whitney portal/Russell, but I was at Yosemite Park last week, and while Monday was not too bad, by Thursday the smoke was very thick above 10K. Both Mt. Hoffman and Cathedral Peak were blanketed with smoke. I guess it will depend a lot on the recent wind speed, and direction.
See picture in Photo Gallery.

Last edited by John Sims; 08/23/20 10:11 PM. Reason: Reference Photo Gallery