Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion October Whitney Summit - What to Expect?

I am looking at planning a mid October Whitney Summit 10/15, 10/16, 10/17. I was hoping I could get some feedback on what to expect and what to be prepared for.

Making it on 10/15 is not an absolute for me, so if conditions are not optimal I am comfortable to defer to a later date (likely 2012).

I was planning a 7 day JMT Sept earlier in the year, but some life curveballs were thrown my way so I am re-planning for next summer. But I would still like to make it up once this year. I am just not familiar with the Sierra's in October and know they can be quite variable. So in short, what should I look out for...

Regards,
Marc

The keyword for you is weather. Last year in mid-October, four hikers from Omaha hiked into whiteout conditions, and then huddled in the summit hut for several days until they were rescued by helicopter.

If there are no significant storms, you will be ok. But if there are, be sure you know when to turn around.

Check the Unused Whitney Permits - 2010 information for October last year to see how many people actually pulled permits.

Thanks Steve. Yes, Weather is my #1 concern. I'll be monitoring up to the day I plan to go and of course will monitor conditions the day of. I may enlist in some of the resident experts the days leading up to it .

Would be great to meet some of the folks on this board also if their around Lone Pine / The Portal.

Even if it doesn't snow, you can expect cold temps (< 15F) and perhaps high winds. Above Trail Camp, carry enough survival gear and food to survive a least one night in the open. Do not expect cell phone contact from Whitney; a Spot Messenger or Sat phone is always nice to have...you never know.

Mlaveson, check out my photo on page 3 of the picture gallery. Snow dump below Consultation Lake 10-16-09.

Be geared up for forecasted conditions. I did not summit, but had fun in the snow for a few days.

John


October 2009 snow dump below Consultation Lake
Photo was taken 10-16-09 a day or two after the Big snow dump. That's some other
group. I'm solo on the switchbacks above Trailside Meadow. No, I did not summit.
(click on picture for full-size)

Weather can be wonderful or horrible. My wife and I used to go to the Sierra every mid October for years. About 30% of the time we ran into some sort of bad weather...snow or unusually cold temperatures. With that said, it is my favorite time to be in the Sierra.

It's been my experience that anytime after mid-September is a crap shoot for hikers not comfortable in icy, snowy conditions. At the moment, there's snow above 12K' - whether there's more or less in a month is anyone's guess, but it would be prudent to plan on at least some being present.

Thanks everyone for your input. I will make sure to plan for what the weather gods have in store for that weekend based on the forecast/actual conditions and as always be prepared to alter plans if necessary.

Hopefully, the weather will tilt in my favor.

Also again if anyone is around, it would be great to meet anyone from the site that is in the area.

Cheers,
Marc

I went up Langley end of October last year...it was windy, but snow free and about 60 degrees. It varies by year, but judging by the current temperatures and this early September snow - I'd say your in for a true alpine experience mid October. But who knows that could all change over the next few weeks...

Yah.... add me to the list of people watching the posts for Whitney trail conditions for October. I've never hiked it so late in the season, so it may be a whole new experience!

if my planning works out perfectly, I should be on Whitney around October 15. Coming in from the far north, so plus minus a few days is possible.