Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion August 2nd Conditions: Equipment

Good morning everyone,

I know with the amount of snow this year conditions are difficult to predict. Is it likely that the switchbacks will be passable by August 2nd? I was planning on brining trekking poles and micro-spikes with an August 2nd date. I was hoping to take the switchbacks instead of the chute. If the chute is required in August, would an ice axe and crampons be necessary or would micro-spikes be viable?

Thanks for your help.

I think it's a 50-50 chance people will be using the 99 switchbacks the first week of August.