Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Current conditions of Cottwood Lakes Basin/Meysan

Has anyone been up to Langley/Irvine/Mallory/Le Conte? I haven't decided what I want to do yet but either cottonwood lakes basin or something out of meysan lakes this weekend. I'll be with a couple buddies that don't have much snow gear so i'm trying to pick a dry area. Thanks!!

Here is a picture looking up the Meysan Lake Canyon, taken last weekend by Bob R.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/504732413/in/set-72157600231504401/


As you can see the chutes going to to the Mallory LeConte saddle are still full of snow. Consequently the chute going up from Meysan Lake to the Mallory Irvine saddle would likely still be full of snow. Those chutes would probably need snow gear.

Other reports I have read recently about Mt. Langley said snow is not much of an issue there. Some snow but you can go around or through it.

I was up on Langley this past Sunday. There is barely any snow left on Langley. Here is a picture from the summit looking towards Lone Pine Peak (I think) and the Whitney area.

http://jmplantier.smugmug.com/gallery/2885685#155083573-L-LB

Actually, in the picture by Grenoble, Lone Pine Peak is out of sight to the right. However, those peaks in the middle distance are Corcoran, LeConte, Mallory, and Irvine, and this shot should help a lot if you intend to approach any of them from the south.

I have a 4-day trip up Meysan Canyon and points west the following weekend, but that won't help you.

I plan on taking a day hike up on Saturday (May 26)..... will go as far as resonable (I don't plan on taking any climbing gear). I'll be at campsite #9.

Paul

Grenoble, did you go up Army Pass or New Army Pass? I was thinking of heading up over Army Pass for the first time in the next month. Was wondering what I might be up against at the top of the pass as far as snow.

If you follow the link to the other pictures, it looks like Grenoble went up Army pass

http://jmplantier.smugmug.com/gallery/2885685#155075439

Question answered. Thanks. I was just too lazy to check out the pics.

Gone Hiking guessed it right. We went up Army Pass and needed to cut some steps in some spots that were a little icy early in the morning. On our way down, we took New Army Pass. There is only one small patch (less than 10 steps) of snow at the very top. Below that, NAP is completely clear of snow.

Thanks for the info! Permits are all taken up, hopefully I get there at 8am! See you guys on the mountain.