Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board CLIMBING EAST FACE/EAST BUTTRESS

Has anyone climbed the East Face or East Buttress this year? Current conditions? I'm hoping to climb on June 25th.

I didn't get up on the East Face as was my plan last weekend (6/10 - 12/05) but I got a good look at it. The East Face still had some snow on it at the upper part of the Washboard, and the area below the Alcove also had a small snowfield. We decided not to climb it because of conditions. However I think your odds would be better assuming this last storm didn't bring more snow...

The East Buttress was clear and I heard others have climbed it...

Does anyone have east face or east buttress route condition info?
Has anyone done the fishhook arete recently?
I'm camping at IBL starting July 4 and planning to climb both Whitney and Russell.
Are crampons needed to get to these routes or descend from the summits?

please if you climb. Let me know what the climb and the weather and snow was like. I was going to climb there at the end of july. then over to Mt Muir,

My plane leaves in a few hours (from MI). I'll post as much info as I can when I return (July 10/11).
I was hoping to hear from others before I went, but I guess that's all part of the adventure!

Climbed the East Face of Mt. Whitney and the Fishhook Arete of Mt. Russell July 6 and 7.
Both routes were clear of snow. East Face had lots of loose rock. I don't recommend the route. Try the East Buttress instead.
Don't take crampons or axes.
have fun.