Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2013 (Out-of-Date)

wahinegirl...sent you a PM

Here's a picture of the water at switchback 22, caption: "The stream on the switchbacks is flowing".

Doesn't look like much of a flow. The picture was taken in the morning hours on Sept 2.

By the way, there is a comment that since this "spring" dries up overnight, it can't really be a "spring". It is actually snowmelt from a bowl above the trail where there is a snow patch that pretty much remains all summer. So when the melting stops, either due to cold temperatures or the snow finally completely melting away, this spring dries up.

The water does travel underground (or at least under the surface broken rocks) from that snow patch, and it reappears at the surface on the switchbacks. So whether it is called a "spring" or something else can be left to debate.

Bottom line, though, is that most regulars will dip and drink from this water source.

Lotta water flowing yesterday morning on switchbacks below the cables.

I'm planning to do an overnighter on Sept 29th. What are the chances that there will be snow on the main trail? I'm thinking of just heading to Trail camp and coming back if it looks like I cant manage it with micro-spikes.
Thanks!

There could be a storm before you go, but not too likely. There have been early fall snows, but it often melts off in a few days.

You will just need to monitor the weather and reports here before you go.

Hiking the MWMT this weekend, bringing some friends. It looks like its been COLD. Are the switchbacks sporting a running spring during the afternoon? Has it snowed recently and is it sticking?

God willing, I will be on the mountain this Friday.
We are closely watching the weather.

Any info on water is appreciated.
I consider Trail Camp the last reliable water, but
have been surprised by running water at the lower switchbacks.

Ti vuolo bene. Ciao ciao.

Via sierragator WPSMB:

"As of 9-22 the spring on the switchbacks is dry (passed it mid afternoon). Patchy snow was still present in shaded, north facing areas. Just a dusting. Ice may be an issue depending on location and timing. Watch the forecast between now and w/e...."

I have a day permit to hike MT this Thursday (Sept. 26), and am driving to Cottonwood Lake tomorrow (Wednesday) morning to acclimatize.

The forecast calls for pretty heavy winds at the portal and peak -- and a 20 percent chance of snow up top.

Has anyone been up in the last 24 hours?

Thanks!

Cam, viewing the webcam daily sets, Mt Whitney has been virtually cloudless the past several days, so pretty balmy weather, but likely chilly. I think you are going to have a really windy experience at Horseshoe Meadows tomorrow, so be prepared with warm clothing.

With that chance of snow, and if you can adjust your schedule, you might inquire when you pick up your permit about trading your permit for Friday. It looks like Friday will be calm and clear.

That snow prediction is for a light dusting, so you you are prepared, it shouldn't affect the trail. We would sure like to hear how it turns out!

sierragator has some pics on facebook for the Mountaineer's Route. There is snow in some places, mostly around rocks and in crevasses, but shouldn't be a problem on the Main Trail. Just be careful, as the granite up there is pretty slick when it gets wet.
Would love this thread to keep updated as far as the new snowfall on Thursday. Pics would be appreciated.

Heading up for a two-nighter from 10/02 - 10/04 for my first time to the summit. Looks like it's going to be pretty cold, report shows chills as low as 10 degrees this week. I've got lots of layers (base, mid, fleece, puffy, shell), a pair of gloves and a beanie, but is there anything anyone wishes they would have brought or did bring to make sure warmth wasn't an issue? I've also got a 20 degree down sleeping bag as well as a liner.

Thanks for the info!

We may try to swap our Thursday permits for Friday, if the current forecast holds.

I'm sure this subject is well trodden, but would the level of snow-dusting currently expected necessitate crampons?

think I might bring microspikes, can't imagine crampons. And Dan, don' forget a cheap poncho, just in case of wetness.

I was up in the air about microspikes, but I would rather be prepared than be up there wishing I had them. Thanks for the advice. Those cheap ponchos do go a long way too.

I'll be up there with a group this week too (Portal Wed night, then overnight at Trail Camp on Thurs, hoping to summit Friday morning). Looks like it will be breezy at best and chilly!! (forecast of 17 at trail camp Thurs night!!) Definitely bringing a couple extra layers now!

Still waffling on if I bring the microspikes or not... I know the first snow came last weekend, and there's a 20% chance of dusting on Thurs... but I don't know that there'd be anything for the spikes to bite into (unless it turns into a storm, at which point we'll be heading down not up)

See you guys up there!! (I hike hot, so I'll likely be the idiot who looks like they're not wearing enough layers for the weather but is sweating up a storm haha)

I think we may miss each other, we'll be following just a few days after you. We'll be at the portal on the 1st and head in on the 2nd. If you wouldn't mind, let me know how conditions are when you're back.

From the looks of the new snow... conditions have "changed".

At 3 PM, it looked like a light dusting of snow above 10,000' today. But then by 7 PM, another wave passed through, dropping snow to 9000'

Here's a picture from the webcam at 7 PM. Click on the picture for the full-size view.



NOAA Weather for tomorrow and Saturday is predicted to be sunny, and windy on Sunday and Monday. The snow will likely disappear in a few days.

Edit: Looking at the webcam picture at 1 PM following day, There is NO TRACE of yesterday's snow!!!