Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board June 25th and 26th, Will There Be Snow?

I got permitted for my 11th choice: any weekend in June. Of course, they picked my wife's birthday. She's letting me go, but it's going to cost me big time.

Anyway, I'm hearing reports of the "biggest Sierra snowpack in 50 years" and worried there might still be snow in June. I don't have crampons or an ice ax... think I'll need them for an end of June ascent up the main trail?

btw, I'm spending one night at Trail Camp on the way up, summitting and breaking camp on day two.

There is a very good chance that crampons may be extremely helpful. Depends of course on weather between now and then. When I summited July 1st last year(an early melt year) there was still snow on the back of Whitney. This year you'll prob be dealing with ice/snow on the switchbacks and on the final traverse to the summit as well. There should be a very well packed down trail by then, though crampons(maybe even just insteps) would be helpful for peace of mind in icy sections. I would say instep crampons and trekking poles, though ask again in early June.
Eric J Lee
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...vcat=REI_SEARCH

Now there's a price I can handle... thanks for the link. I've been sweating the the thought of spending $100 or more for something I'll probably only use once.

Over the years we have gone up many times the last weekend of June. Often there are snowfields which need to be crossed. That late in the year we have never taken crampons and just been careful crossing the remaining snowfields. Often they have a deep trail worn in them from other hikers before.

Early in the day it can be icy and EricJLee's suggestion of instep crampons can be very usefull.

During the middle of the day the snow is often softer and crampons are not necessary.

Since the last big storm about March 22nd or so, it has been quite sunny with minimal snow. Like the last two years it seems we are in a warming sunny period. If this continues, snow won't be much of a problem by late June, even though some will persist until then.

I would put on hold the ice axe crampon worry until early to middle June. By then you will have a much better idea what to expect.

Check out Campmor. They've got some really inexpensive instep crampons that will be fine for an outing, or two.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...productId=47940

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...productId=47941

You won't want to use these in "serious" ice conditions. If the reports prior to your trip state that most of the snow/ice has melted out, they'll give you the traction you need to get over any ice patches.

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A little advice assuming you have not used them before. Read up on their use and try out the crampons and poles on local hikes before your trip. Attend a winter skills class before using full crampons, an ice ax and glissading (boot skiing [remove the crampons]) down a hill. Have a great hike.

I'll 2nd Icpman and go one better. I wouldn't use instep crampons on a bet.

Get yourself a set of 10 points and axe and go practice. Self belay, arrest and glissading skills are not a part of the purchase price.

If you are a SoCal there is plenty of snow around.

Josh, I'll probably see you up there. I have the same weekend.

I think there will be lots of snow. Last year there was still plenty of snow at Trail Camp and high on the Switchbacks all the way to Trail Crest about that time of year. To me, a novice, there were some dicey icy spots in the morning, and some different problem areas with soft snow in the PM. I had no axe or crampons.

Because the snowpack is probably twice its volume of last year, I am taking an ice axe and my crampons to our camp at Trail Camp. We'll decide from there with some input from other hikers how to proceed.

As I remember it, there were only a couple places that concerned me over the eleven miles. But at those few places the "bottom" is a long way down. Bring the extra equipment (practice its use) and be prepared. You can come back later if you turn back this time.

I was up there around June 23 two years ago and the snow conitions were not that bad. Some snow fields to cross just before Trail Camp and some snow on the switchbacks to Trail Crest. I had no problem manuvering through the snow with my boots and poles. There was significant ice at the cables, but it was easy going, just watch your step. This year will definatly have more snow up there in late June due to the massive amounts of snow this year. Always good to be prepared. The night before we got to Trail Camp, conditions were 12 degrees with 50mph winds. The nights we were up there it was calm with mid 30-40 temps. Crazy how fast the weather can change. I think June is a great time to go since it is not too crowded and there is still some snow.