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#106320 - 06/06/24 01:07 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 06/06/24
Posts: 2
Loc: morro bay ca
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I'm set to do a semi-loop from cottonwood to whitney portal via crabtree meadows in two weeks. will I need crampons and an ice axe going up the backside or coming down the front, or is the trail relatively clear? Any input appreciated.
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#106327 - 06/10/24 08:35 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: mikefrye]
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Member
Registered: 07/04/10
Posts: 149
Loc: Old Agoura, CA
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Hi All, Has anyone been up old or new army pass and summitted Mt Langley? Also anyone camp recently at Long Lake.... Mosquito's ?? Bears?? any input would be appreciated. Happy Hiking to all, Rick
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#106328 - 06/10/24 03:14 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: rick]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5354
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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http://www.mountwhitneyforum.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=106322#Post106322Bugs were out at higher elevations, but I only got bit by Mosquitoes at the (old) trailhead while changing gear...I'd carry bug juice... Long Lake's shoreline is very soggy...I didn't look to see what the usual camping sites look like...there is snow in the trees approaching the lake and a "dangerous crossing" at the outlet...stay alert to the possibility of snow bridge collapses...
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#106331 - 06/10/24 06:38 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: Richard P.]
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Member
Registered: 07/04/10
Posts: 149
Loc: Old Agoura, CA
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Thanks Richard, Sounds like the Passes will be heavy in snow. Happy Hiking, Rick
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#106335 - 06/13/24 07:25 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 06/13/24
Posts: 1
Loc: GA, USA
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Reached the summit on 6/10 at 11a starting at Whitney Portal campground at 1:30a. Did the switchbacks and added microspikes on the cable section only (ice axe or trekking pole adds support). It looked like this was the faster option than the chute. Suspect everything will melt off in the next few days. Great weather!
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#106336 - 06/13/24 08:17 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: Eric on the Move]
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Member
Registered: 05/17/24
Posts: 14
Loc: Los Angeles Ca
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Thanks for the update. Def helpful
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#106337 - 06/13/24 11:57 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: Eric on the Move]
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Member
Registered: 04/26/24
Posts: 10
Loc: Chicago
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Great updatse Doug and Eric. Do either of you have a picture or two of the cables section we still have snow? I am planning to hike in next couple of weeks. TIA
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#106339 - 06/14/24 08:35 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: RunningKoi]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 574
Loc: California
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Hiked to the Summit via the Main Trail yesterday June 13. Some observations:
(1) The fine forecasted weather lasted until mid afternoon when uninvited dark clouds and thunder visited for a few hours.
(2) A few hikers attempted the Chute with varying degrees of success. The Switchbacks are now the consensus route.
(3) The crux of the Switchbacks is the final 10 yards. There the Trail is covered by an approximately 6 foot high mound of snow, which was rock hard in the early morning and soft and slippery in the early afternoon. The mound is pinched: Immediately to the left is a granite wall with ice and dripping water, and to the immediate right is a steep dry granite slab tumbling several hundred feet. Separating the snow mound and the drop-off are two cables dangling from two metal posts (unfortunately) bent 90 degrees and now perched over the top of the drop-off. These two cables are the hiker's "protection." So currently one is advised to be prepared in advance with appropriate skills and a plan.
(Note: For some this area is a non issue. But I observed others turning back. This short span will clear with time.)
(4) On the Summit Plateau, the Trail passes through a trivial snowfield. Stay in the Trench others have prepared. No need to bypass by scrambling up rocks like last year.
(5) Water was everywhere. The last good water source is flowing out on to the Trail in the area just below the 23rd Switchback.
(6) Enjoyed dinner at the Whitney Portal Store the night before the hike. Had a lengthy discussion with Cayden, Richard P, and Doug Sr. Obtained a Conditions Update and some good insights. Thanks fellows!
Jim
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#106340 - 06/14/24 08:43 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: Jim F]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 574
Loc: California
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In (3) of the Post I just made, I am referring to the "crux of the Cable area" (which is also the crux of the Switchbacks).
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#106343 - 06/16/24 03:20 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: rick]
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Member
Registered: 06/11/24
Posts: 2
Loc: Yolo county, CA
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Really appreciate all the great info here. Does anyone have any updated intel on Langley?
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#106347 - 06/18/24 06:13 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: dotcompost]
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Member
Registered: 06/26/03
Posts: 5354
Loc: Ridgecrest, CA
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#106348 - 06/19/24 04:48 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: dotcompost]
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Member
Registered: 06/11/24
Posts: 2
Loc: Yolo county, CA
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Summited Langley 6/18. All clear except small section at top of nap crest. Easily navigated with hiking boots and trekking poles - no traction or ice axe needed. Windy, but beautiful and well worth it. Camped at High Lake. Long Lake still very soggy.
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#106351 - 06/20/24 09:45 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 05/21/24
Posts: 4
Loc: Ca SJV
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Not sure if this is appropriate here, but I also posted in the Whitney Permit System thread:
I had some folks cancel and now have some open spots on my day use permit for June 29th. No obligation to hike with my party. Three open spots currently available. I don't have Facebook, but feel free to share there; I hear the Whitney FB group is pretty good.
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#106354 - 06/21/24 03:01 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 05/24/24
Posts: 3
Loc: SC
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On the subject of permits - I summited on Wednesday June 5 and noticed that I only encountered a total of around 30 people during my 19 hour hike (it was slow but I did it!). I passed a few more on Trail Crest but they were from the JMT. I assume a few overnighters had already summitted and were back at Trail Camp by the time I reached the chute - the 30 people number doesn't include the people that weren't actively hiking. I started at 2:20am so it's possible alot of people started after me and never made it to the summit or got to the chute and turned around. With 100 day use permits and 60 overnight permits issued per day, are those numbers typical? Just curious... i expected to see more people.
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#106355 - 06/21/24 06:50 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: Doug Sr]
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Member
Registered: 04/26/24
Posts: 10
Loc: Chicago
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Thank you Doug & Jim! Any additional updates on the cornice at the tail end of the switchbacks? TIA
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#106357 - 06/23/24 07:11 PM
Re: 2024
[Re: RunningKoi]
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Member
Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 574
Loc: California
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Main Trail Conditions Update (based on a hike up the Main Trail yesterday June 22 with outstanding weather and a full moon):
(1) Packing gear in the parking lot at the TH, I turned to see the Black Bear with a Collar standing two feet away. When he realized I had no treats for him, he moved on to socialize with other hikers leaving their cars.
(2) Water levels along the Trail have decreased significantly, since I was here nine days ago.
(3) Rangers were checking permits at Trail Side Meadow. They were supervised by a friendly dog.
(4) The snow bridge at the creek crossing above Trail Side Meadow has collapsed.
(5) Consultation Lake has thawed and campsites along the shore have cleared of snow.
(6) At the Cables, the situation remains basically unchanged from my observation on June 13. A few steps near the end of the Cables require focus.
(7) The last good water source is flowing out on the Trail at the 23rd Switchback.
(8) On the final two miles of the Trail, twenty to thirty PCT hikers were encountered descending from the Summit.
(9) Talked to two groups finishing the High Sierra Trail. It seems creeks can now be crossed safely.
(10) Had the privilege to meet Doug Sr's granddaughter, now a young lady. I recall last seeing her when she was a kid. How time flies!
Jim
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#106358 - 06/24/24 06:42 AM
Re: 2024
[Re: Jim F]
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Member
Registered: 04/26/24
Posts: 10
Loc: Chicago
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Outstanding summary Jim! Glad you had a great time up on the mountain. Heading out Saturday night so hopefully the cables are slightly better but will exercise caution. All the insights on the forum is much appreciated. Thanks to all contributors!
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