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Joined: Apr 2010
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Does anyone have information on current portal road conditions? I know that the storm is still blowing but I was wondering if someone plans to get up to portal on Mon-Wed (11/22-11/24).
Thanks
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Joined: Dec 2006
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As of 6 hrs ago, some Subarus got to the big switchback, but most cars won't get past the gate closed sign. There is 8-16 in on the road all the way to the Portal. Probably a good idea to take skis
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Anyone have an update on conditions to drive into Whitney Portal? We often are able to drive all the way in this time of year. How far up Whitney Portal Road can we get with the snow? Past the hairpin turn?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Read hamik's post above...
Especially the "gate closed" part...
And considering another "storm" be passing thru...
Caveat: You drive past the "road closed" sign and get stuck?
Hmmm...one pi$$t off tow truck driver, one CHiP writing you a ticket...maybe no tow truck driver and you are definitely "stuck."
Have fun..
Journey well...
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,435 Likes: 9
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 Couldn't resist...
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Joined: Nov 2010
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When was your picture taken? And where are you on the road?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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When was your picture taken? And where are you on the road? Pretty much resembles the conditions now although this picture was taken over 4 years ago... It appears that Richard is outside, off the road, and in front of the rental car! Not his, of course. I couldn't resist neither, Richard!  If you plan to go, better bring the tire chains and some extra cash in case you need to pay someone to get you out! Maybe the guy in the "monster truck" is a local.
Journey well...
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Joined: Nov 2010
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I think we're going to try to drive in on Friday. We will have a big land cruiser truck with chains. We'll let you know what we find up there.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Caveat: Local law enforcement do monitor this site.
Have fun.
Journey well...
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Then I'd like to thank the bandit that let me hop in for the last 2 miles to the portal a couple days ago. Me, I parked my car at the road closed sign.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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What's the approximate distance from the 'Road Closed' sign to the portal?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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4 to 5 miles, depending on who you ask.
You can cut the distance of the switchbacks by heading directly up the slope beyond the Road Closed sign. It would be tough though with a overnight pack on your back.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Can't pass up posting a few photos of the Corolla up at the Portal this moring:  Re-materializing up at the Portal. There's a Star Trek movie on this evening.  It was actually really easy to drive all the way up to the Portal. There were a couple of cars parked a ways down the road. Because of the weather forecast, I think most were parking down at the turn-out.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Cars were making it up to the Portal again on Saturday. On Friday, there was a lone 4WD truck up near the Meysan Trailhead with a lot of ice above. (POS Corolla couldn't make it past the second ice patch, so I had a long walk on a lot of dry pavement.)
With the warm weather and melting, most of us may be able to drive up after a few more days of this. Of course, that will change after the next big storm.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Hi I made it past the second ice patch looking for more bench marks Had used the old first or second law a body in motion will stay .....well on the way down I found that law still applies.
Bench mark count now around 60, many more than needed in the run to the Portal and to Lone Pine Lake if that happens. Got a good report from USGS on the last adjusted run Typical results, subsidence in the valley area and minor up lift on the run up to the Portal so the collective delta elevation would be near 0. This next several weeks I will firm up the toys needed and search for some old timers to do the run from Town to the Portal. Doug
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Was thinking about you yesterday when I stepped on this one:  I'm sure you know where it is. The Corolla tried to do a 360 after it ran out of Momentum on the second ice patch. Needless to say, that was the highest my heartrate got yesterday. I want my 4WD! Getting it running again may be my Christmas present to myself.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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So, what's the latest on the road? How far can you get with 4wd? I realize a lot more snow is on the way but the snow line should remain pretty high.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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so has anyone been up to the portal since this onslaught started??? any ideas at what level the snow line is at up there?
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Joined: Jan 2010
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