Mt Whitney Zone Forums Thread Like Summary - Whitney closed until further notice

New press release from the Inyo County Sheriff and Inyo National Forest: Inyo Sheriff Facebook

Damage assessments are underway in the Whitney area due to yesterday's earthquake and major rockfall, including trail condition assessments and analyzing the potential for more rockfall.

"At this time, the Mt. Whitney Trail, the Meysan Lakes Trail, the North Fork of Lone Pine Trail (Mountaineers Route) are closed until further notice. Permits for day and overnight summits of Mt. Whitney will continue to be canceled until further notice...Whitney Portal Road has been closed to the public. All campgrounds above the closure have been evacuated and will remain closed until further notice."

I was up searching the area yesterday and can report there was sustained and significant continuing rockfall due to aftershocks and unstable cliffs. Please avoid the Whitney area for the time being and respect the closures for your safety and the safety of our First Responders. There are about 1000 alternate peaks begging to be climbed right now.

Currently, there is a manned roadblock low on Whitney Portal Road to keep all traffic away. I have no knowledge of how long the closure will last, it could be open by the weekend, or it could be longer. The Portal saw significant rockfall, including a few car-size+ boulders crushing unoccupied campsites. It's extremely lucky that the Portal happened to be uncrowded and no one got hurt.

I just called and spoke to somebody at the wilderness office (760) 873-2483 who said she could issue my 7/5 permit right now, but when I pressed her about whether that means the trail will be opened by then, she said she wasn't sure. As of right now, the trail is closed until further notice. I've seen several posts from people excited that their permits are being issued for the Whitney Trail in the upcoming week, but it seems to me that it's premature to celebrate having your permit issued if the trail is closed indefinitely. I'm hoping I'm missing something? Any insightful info? Thank you!