Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion MR - MT - Summit Conditions?

On the WPSMB, unibroker writes: "I'm in Lone Pine and picked up my permit this afternoon. Person at the desk told me the last report two days ago said there was 1/2 foot of snow on the ground at the summit. "

Can anybody else corroborate?

Sounds like a lot to me. I know it got dusted, but 6 inches???

Myself and 5 others just came off Whitney Monday for our 1-day hike. There was snow and some ice starting at the switchbacks all the way to the summit. It became very technical and slow for us as we just had regular hiking boots. I would say there is 3-6 inches of snow. You have to be careful on the backside and about 2:30 pm it snowed until 6:30. I would've felt more comfortable personally if I had crampons just because it was my first time doing Whitney. It got very cold, it rained and snowed but luckily not too windy. We really lucked out on the weather Monday. At trail camp a kind group camping there offered us hot chocolate and soup and other things to us as were cold, hungry and thirsty. Incredible experience in which I will forget.

After careful consideration, PM's and e-mails from friends on this board..... I hate to say, but the MR is a NO go :-( and will have to wait. Kinda sucks, but my back still isn't right, still stiff, no real pain, just having to be real careful. It actually takes me a couple (or more) minutes to stand up straight. I talked with DJ and we agreed we should probably hold off for better weather. With trail conditions and my back, it just didn't seem prudent.

So.... thanks to Steve C (who was going to join us) and everyone who wished us luck on our first attempt and also those who were concerned. It just didn't work out this time. Now, back to Baldy and SJ for more training hikes after my back gives me permission.

Damn! now who's going to show me the way up the MR next year?

very selfish of you to not be thinking of my needs!

(hope your back gets better soon!)

yeah, I'm with you Tdtz. I was so looking forward to reading the next chapter of Joe & DJ's Adventures.

take care of the back....and the hip...and the knee

Sounds like a smart decision, Joe. Next year.

There ain't nuttin' wrong with a road trip! I think its worth a burger, fries and beer!

If wifey-pooh and I didn't have prior commitments, we "would have" gone with Steve C just to wander...

But, good call on the abort...

2012 look out!!!

Here's to a July 25, 2012 bid...

Joe, I hate it that you have to bail on the MR, but too many stars were aligning wrongly - illness, fresh snow on the Final 400, your back issues. Smart call - as we've discussed numerous times before, the mountain will still be there when you want to try again. Put us down for the MR next summer.

i know someone going up mountaineers route this weekend, i'll have pictures from him next tuesday...i'm curious, we're planning on doing mountaineers route next sunday...ill let you guys know what we decide.