From reading Dennis' report, it looks like it was a mess in the Whitney Zone yesterday.
Friday, from the west side, I was amazed at the size and height of the thunderheads over the Sierra.
Here's from Dennis'
forecast:SATURDAY 30-JUL-2011, 6:50 AM PDT
Thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain occurred yesterday afternoon and evening, along the Sierra Crest. Impressive display of lightening and thunder as monsoonal moisture tracked through the district. Wetter storms possible today and Sunday, as instability becomes even more prevalent. Hikers in the Sierra should be prepared for lightening strikes, heavy downpours and gusty winds through the weekend. So extreme caution is a must (see news flash below). There is a Flash Flood Watch for the Sierra from noon today until late Sunday night. Predicting temperatures over the weekend will be a challenge, as cloud cover could make for a 15 - 20 degree difference between areas of sun and clouds. By Monday things settle down a bit with residual moisture still present.
News Flash: So Far, here is what I know. Extreme weather has caused the evacuation of Whitney Portal and the Trail head. They remain CLOSED today. Many hikers on the Whitney Trail were stranded yesterday on the trail. Thunder, Lightening and torrential rain occurred yesterday afternoon and evening over the Crest and down some of the deep Eastern Sierra Canyons. I expect more very adverse weather conditions today. Right now my advise is to stay away from trail heads that lead up into the Sierra. If you want additional information, email me: dmatt123@gmail.com
9:01 am: Rescue helicopters flying over my home in the Alabama's.
10:00 am: Whitey Portal Road now OPEN to campground. NFS is deciding on trail opening. Most hikes are now able to walk out. People waking down the trail said "life changing experience."
12:16 pm: The Whitney Trail will OPEN today at 1:00 pm. The Forest Service told me to let you know that the trail is covered in debris in some locations. Obviously the road is now open all the way to the Portal. I told the Forest Service that I am expecting a possible repeat of yesterday. So go highly prepared.
Posted by Dennis @ 7:06 AM
