Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Current Main Trail Conditions

I'm probably going to do a MT dayhike in the next week or so, and I don't see any threads about current conditions.

Basically, if anyone here has been up in the past few days, is it still snow-free at the cables and above? Is there water flowing on the lower switchbacks?

Thanks in advance,

z

I was up there on the 4th-5th (so a week ago) and there was plenty of water on the switchbacks, no snow on/above the cables, and only the one snowfield near the summit to navigate.

I do realize some weather has come through since then though - but can't imagine it would clog up the switchbacks/cables that quickly.

I'm also looking for updated conditions as I head back up there the weekend of the 24th-25th =)

I'm in Lone Pine and picked up my permit this afternoon. Person at the desk told me the last report two days ago said there was 1\2 foot of snow on the ground at the summit.

Hi Well not a trip report but some thoughts , We have been watching the weather for the last week and have had some rain snow ,hail and colder days ,

We are also telling the day hikers to leave later say 4-5 AM and this gives the upper elevations time to melt and soften the crust and the sun will be on the west side as you reach the summit making the trip warmer and cut the ice down. A note watch the cable area , Trailside Meadow for BLACK ICE!!!! Any time you see water on the rock it could be ice.

Next Outpost camp is a nice site this time of the year , protected from the wind and storms are less of a threat because you can get down fast.

Many hikers are making it with poles and some are using yak traks or some foot gear for the ice and many are turning back when they hit the upper sections because of the cold and ice.


This storm system will move out when we get wind so the next few days wind will be a factor . Thanks Doug

Yipes! Ice already? I don't mind snow if it can be handled with microspikes, especially if it's up by the peak (where it's relatively flat, not near the windows) but if people are being turned back by ice and cold, that sounds like the ice covers the whole trail?

Even a moderate amount of ice by the cables spooks me a bit. I'm a trailrunner, not an ice climber. Is it possible to pass through there, and up higher in areas with exposure without having to cross ice patches?

z

early winter...last year at this time it was snow free and 60+ degrees at trail camp...nice!

On Monday September 12 it was a mix of snow/water/ice on medium switchbacks and packed slippery snow near Trail Crest around noon. Earlier and later it was refrozen ice.

However you should be fine with Microspikes because the Main trail is almost flat.

Can anyone provide more trail conditions from the last post?

Thank you

I did the MT on Sunday as a day hike. I left the trail head at 2:00am and was ontop at 9:00am and spent 45 minutes on top. I was back to the car at 3:30pm. There is some ice at the cables, but not a problem. Also, on the back side right before going up to the peak, there is a snow field you have to cross. Again, not a problem because there is a path carved out by people hiking it.

Weather was great. Cold in the morning, wearing two long sleeve shirts and one short sleeve shirt. At around Mirror lake I put on gloves and a beanie. By the time I got to the top, I was only wearing a short sleeve shirt and shorts. But I always wear shorts hiking. There was no to very little wind that day.

As always, check the weather before you go and talk to others that have come down off the mountain the day/night before you go up. This time of year you need to be prepared for any type of weather.

Happy Hiking

Scott

I saw the weather forecast...I just changed my gear from tennis shoes(run type) to water proof boots n mini spikes... n changed my my gear from summer to fall...beanie, warm underwear, always have cold weather gloves... saw at at REI, warm patches apply any where...(maybe will get) I don't like hiking poles, wanna summit on the 3rd as a single...6th attempt out of 7, will I really need to get the poles?... any info much appreciated...wish Doug and Fam would consider another entre than fries... love all

Hi First weather is very unstable this week , said clear but we have had rain snow and wind, not bad but be ready. The mountaineer's route is good until the notch , the backside has ice on the last 400' not many are making it without a guide or a strong mixed climber.


Saturday we have our Portal potluck no fries after 2 PM prime rib, roast chicken , salads, fresh corn , and what ever special items people bring. this is the 24th year at the store doing the cook out but dates back about 40 years when the young drunk surveyors would had a cook out and tell stories, now we have three generations telling stories about how is was growing up in gypsy camps around the southwest and a few mountain tales. Stop in and join the family! The Portal Crew

i'll be there!

I'll be about two weeks late for the party... do ya think it might last that long?

Doug, I will be at Mount Whitney this weekend for the first time from Atlanta. I will swing by the potluck Saturday. Sounds fun!

Hi Doug!

I met you on August 22 at the store. I came in with my friends the day after we hiked Whitney. I was with Arthur, the funny guy. (Remember him?) You autographed a book for us and made your ginormous pancakes, which we thoroughly enjoyed. I will be returning to the Portal this weekend with another friend and we will be hiking Mt. Whitney on Sunday, my birthday, since I didn't summit the last time. We've been watching the weather and do have some concerns, but we're taking the chance anyway, although we will not proceed with the summit attempt if the weather does not permit a successful climb. We will be arriving in Lone Pine Saturday morning. I'd love to come to the potluck. It would be so nice to hear some of those mountain tales, too. I have written a few of my own since I was there a month ago. This sounds like so much fun!

See you there. I forgot to bring tags- thinking of filing a corner record...

My 10 year old daughter is coming so keep it clean.

sittin in los angeles, wanderin how the barbeque was, n if the party will continue, 10-01-11, great trail reports

Hope the barbecue was great. But, the important thing that Doug mentioned was that this was his 24th year, meaning, of course, that Doug and Family will be celebrating their 25th!!! in 2012. I'm sure that Doug will have lots of good Whitney Portal stories to share based on these many years of service to us all.

The BBQ was exellent!! Thanks Doug,after a thunderstorm drove us down from a Mt. Russell and Carillon attempt yesterday we were invited to stay thanks again Doug you and your staff are awsome.

hi
any new updated conditions on the mt? we will be
attempting to dayhike this sat oct 1. thanks for ant info