Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Predictions for 99 switchbacks Aug 1

Hi,

Permit to summit on Aug 1. I see that the switchbacks are still covered in snow and not an option. Any thoughts on what it will be like in a month? Is going up the switchback what we should be planning for? Appreciate thoughts from experienced folks.

Thoughts from experienced folks might not be what you need , experienced climbers do the mountain year round , many coming to ski the area others for the winter without a crowded area and that enjoy winter camping.

The switchbacks are doable now , most are taking the snow field north of the switchbacks,they are mostly snow covered but the lower area is melting out and the upper area is clearing.

August 1 I would expect to still see ice on the trail and strong run off .

Thank you. Would you advise crampons or microspikes to do them in Aug?

Have a day permit for Monday July 24. Any updates on the current status of the switchbacks with the recent warm weather? A few weeks ago they were closed so people were taking the chute up and glissading down, but not sure if there is enough snow to still do this. Planning a 3am departure from portal to hit the chute around 8/9am while the snow is hopefully still firm(or switchbacks if open) and descend around late afternoon. Thanks

We're going next week so I will try to remember to post our experience and recommendations. Crampons/ice ax were recommended for the chute by hikers in early July but who knows with the warm weather. (On person summited in micro spikes but said they wished they had crampons up the chute as it got sketchy. I am taking crampons, ice ax and microspikes and plan to visit the portal this Sat to check things out and make a decision on what to use prior to departing on Monday morning. I guess it's a coin toss whether the switchbacks will be open next week, but decent chance for Aug 1 based on the warm weather although possibly some ice and snow.

Good luck. Look fwd to your update

@Strobe, how did your hike go? Where the switchbacks open? I hear that the snow on the chute is deteriorating.
I will be trying for the summit on July 31 with a group that is less experienced in snow travel. Curious to hear an update as conditions are likely changing fast (103F in Lone Pine!)
Thanks!