Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Conditions to expect on June 1-2?

My lottery allows me on Whitney from June 1-2, and I've been following the threads of recent trip posts here.

Some members of the bb have noted that the switchbacks are treacherous--my words, not theirs--and that crampons and an axe are a must. Others have implied that they took the route up the chute to the right of the switchbacks to ascend up to the ridge trail.

I know they are expecting snow this week (about 4 inches, from what I've seen on the upper reaches of the mountain), and don't expect anyone to have a crystal ball to look into, but any wisdom as to what I should expect when facing the switchback vs. chute options would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

JP

My permits are for June 3-4.

From what I can tell, everyone is using the chute (ice axe and crampons) and not taking the switchbacks. I have an ice axe and crampon available to me, but I don't have the necessary training to make a safe descent.

With the possibility of this weeks storm dropping up to a foot of snow on the ridges and peaks between Whitney and Mammoth, I've started looking at backup hikes.

JPUtah, in mountain time, June 1-2 is too far away to get the advice you are seeking IMHO. I wouldn't give up on your plans just yet -- you'll be able to track the changing conditions here -- but having a Plan B is always a great idea.

Your PLan B could be to climb to Trail Camp and see how you feel when you get there. You can see the switchbacks and talk to people coming down. And if you don't know the mountain, scouting it could build confidence for a later trip.

By the way, Trail Camp usually puts on a good light show in the morning. The alpinglow on the crest is usually spectacular in the moments before sunrise.

P.S. Mt Dana in Yosemite (Tioga Pass) could well be doable by then. I flew over it Friday and, at least from afar, it didn't seem to have a lot of snow coverage. No permits required for a day hike, takes only a couple of hours, and the views cannot be beat. Can combine with hikes around Mono Lake area.

White Mountain may be another possibility. Views aren't as amazing but it is the third tallest mountain in CA. It's also a day hike, with other hiking opportunities nearby.

I hope my post wasn't too discouraging... I was essentially trying to say what Akichow did here.


Hmm... Akichow, you got me thinking. IF I have to go with a backup plan, maybe we'll hit Mt. Dana one day (We are staying at Mammoth on the 1st & 2nd), then White Mtn Peak on the 3rd.

I didn't think you were being discouraging at all! If I conveyed that, it was only because I inadvertently hit "reply" to the wrong post--didn't mean to reply to your post, which I personally thought was helpful and realistic.

Dana remains one of my favorite summits ever. I think I have a trip report around here somewhere.

Aha! http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/26607/Re_Mt_Dana_A_Weekend_Warrior_s

my permit is June 5-8.
my plan is trail camp first night and maybe attempt summit depending on the situation. my original plan was to hike down crabtree meadow and out on 6/8, I didn't realize the lakes are still frozen. anyone going june 5-6 that I can tag along? especially trail camp to trail crest via chute.

Great photos (as expected)!

I'm looking forward to your Cirque Peak pictures. I haven't done Cirque Peak yet, though it beckoned when I did Langley. And I've heard about the various routes you mentioned and been intrigued... Dana would be a walk in the park for you.

A mild winter means less than average snowfall...that is it. There are other factors at work that determines what in on the north wall switchbacks between 12,000' and 13,600'...like how late was the snow and warm the spring.

Anyone going in the first two months of the quota season should be prepared to utilize the slope (The Chute) between Trail Camp and Trail Crest. This means having the gear and basic snow skills.

Eventually, hikers will beat in the trail between the cables and Trail Crest, the cables being the usual block. When this happens Champagne corks are popped and everything is right in the Whitney world. Util this happens the chute is the only safe option...if you have the gear and skills.

If you don't have these skills...still go to the mountain, you will have a good time, just do not go higher than you can safely descend.