Ken,
The altitude at that location is 12800. Temp drops 2c/1000', or 3.3f/1000'. This changes forecast by approx 7f (and only a couple of hours/day) so "just" above freezing at top. I would not count on much loss of snow.
On the other hand, the top, west side trail etc are already pretty clear. 12,8 is about 1/2 way up the switches. The crux, while the snow is still clearing, is generally at the cables, which I think are at about 12,5. I would give it better than 50/50 that someone pushes the switchbacks before June 2.
Hey all, as of this Sunday (13th) the switchbacks to Trail Crest is still not passable at the cabled section. A few tried ahead of me and had to bail. Foolishly I tried as well. Second time on the mountain but first time attempting switchbacks in winter condition so didn't know what to expect. Now I know Had to rock scramble to get back onto the snowfield.
Eddie: Did you ascend the snowfield or have to turn back around?
Anyone: I'm heading up to the Eastside this weekend to do some rockclimbing and my wife wanted to take a shot at Whitney - main trail/chute, spring conditions, solo, car-to-car. She's done it in the summer, main trail, solo and car-to-car, but not in these conditions. She has crampons and an axe and reasonable experience on a mountain but always in a group setting. I'm curious what she's getting herself into. What's the trail like up the Chute? Are there usually a fair amount of people on trail this time of year? Any info is appreciated. Thanks,
Ryan, checking the day hike permits, there are 54 available on Saturday, meaning 46 slots are reserved. So there should be a good number of people heading up the trail, so she won't be alone.
And the weather from NOAA (for elevation 13107) shows clear and sunny, predicting a high Saturday of 36.
She'll probably meet others hiking the same speed and be able to succeed. Whitney is not particularly tricky for the ice axe and crampons, so with her experience, she should be good to go.
If you head over Friday, she should call the Visitor Center and ask for a night-drop-box pickup of the permit, so she can get an early start. (760) 876-6222
...and I want a trip report! I may be heading over next week.
SO as im reading all the reports I was wandering if i should purchase some crampons for my trip june 12-16? steve and all who have more knowledge on whitneys weather, what is your advice. I have some crampons for another pair of boots which are not broken in yet so rei has 20% off sale on one item and if ill need them id rather buy them now.my crampons curently are for my mountaineering boots which im not taking but if crampons are needed ill just buy the universal camp usa crampons.
"God has not called us to be successful but he has called us to be faithful"- Mother Teresa
Here's a video of the "chute" or slope west of the switchbacks, may 14, 2012. The view gives a good view of the steepness of the slope -- not bad, unless it is iced over, which can happen starting later in the afternoon when the Whitney Crest shadow moves over.
I just hiked the trail yesterday. The switchbacks are mostly clear except for the cable section. The section at the end of the cables is especially precarious. Some people were making it up the switchbacks, but most were opting for the chute.
In the middle of the day, we took the chute with crampons and ice axes. It was great.
I took this photo yesterday. You can see the switchbacks are relatively clear and the chute is well covered.
We have Kahtoola Microspikes but not crampons (yet). We also have ice axes. We're planning on hiking Whitney in a week (5/28). Do you think the Kahtoolas would be sufficient for the cable section/switchbacks - or chute if we need to go that way ... or are crampons highly advised? If so, we'll spring for them.
Thanks much -
Ann
Here's a video of the "chute" or slope west of the switchbacks, may 14, 2012. The view gives a good view of the steepness of the slope -- not bad, unless it is iced over, which can happen starting later in the afternoon when the Whitney Crest shadow moves over.
Haha, that Michael he is referring to is me....small world
I am heading up with a group the same time as CoAnn (5/29-5/30) and am wondering the same thing. Are the microspikes enough or do we need crampons? Do we need gaiters at this time of year?
We are trying to figure out what to pack and what we can leave behind to reduce weight.
Also, thank you everyone for the posts. This forum has been astronomically helpful.
Originally Posted By: COAnn
We have Kahtoola Microspikes but not crampons (yet). We also have ice axes. We're planning on hiking Whitney in a week (5/28). Do you think the Kahtoolas would be sufficient for the cable section/switchbacks - or chute if we need to go that way ... or are crampons highly advised? If so, we'll spring for them. Thanks much - Ann
It MAY be ok without crampons, but until someone actually hikes the switchbacks to the summit without, and reports back that things are ok, you just can't be sure.
I am hoping someone will report back soon.
Watch the weather closely. (See the Mt Whitney Weather link in the box below the webcam pictures on the left). NOAA is predicting a chance of snow at the summit, with highs of 29 on Friday, 22 on Saturday!
Answering t9panda: The trail will be busy, likely fully booked with 60 overnighters and 100 day hikers ...except the foul weather may cause a number to cancel.
Edit: I got a message from "Dustin WeGoRTW" after I emailed asking about using microspikes. His reply: One "in our group used microspikes or a off brand version of them, he made it fine but did say it would of been nice to be able to kick in more on the chute" ...and Dustin's group skipped the switchbacks and climbed the chute instead. ...so there you go... it IS possible.
Had to rock scramble to get back onto the snowfield.
