Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Icy Conditions at The Cables

Heading up Saturday for some acclimation and a Tuesday (9/23) dayhike. Based upon the recent reports, The Cables section sounds like it's icing up for most if not all of the day this time of year. Is it completely iced over all the way across the trail (i.e., from the wall to The Cables themselves), or are there some good slushy spots?

I'll have my YakTrax in the pack and will readily use, if necessary. Not all in the group have the Trax, though, and we're trying to anticipate and plan accordingly. I know that conditions change daily, but with a little time before heading out, we might want to grab some additional Trax, if needed. Also, are there currently any other icy sections? Thanks in advance for your info.

BruinDave

Or, does anyone have some recent pics of The Cables? Thanks again in advance.

BruinDave

if you read some of the recent trail reports your question will be answered.

seems to me one recent report described having to walk on the rocks right at the base of the cable supports.

look for so cal girl's report.

http://flickr.com/photos/29126522@N07/2864114409/in/set-72157607338189523/

http://flickr.com/photos/29126522@N07/2864113905/in/set-72157607338189523/

These pictures were taken on Monday 9/15/08

Chris

From last weekend.

Not that big deal really, more of an annoyance. Odds of slipping off the mountain are pretty close to zero. You could slip and break your ass on the trail though. Crampons and ice axe time? I think maybe just a hiking stick and some care and attention.

YMMV.

One hiker on Monday was telling us about a guy who tried to push past this hikers wife... fell on the ice and gashed up his elbow pretty good.

I'm sure alls good so long as you're careful and watch what you're doing... and go slow...

BruinDave

I would like to know more about the YakTrax you mentioned. I went to their website after reading your thread. They seem like a good (light weight) solution when there is a mixture of rock/ice and crampon usage is questionable. Can you give me a review?

On another note, I will also be on the trail Tuesday.

Instep crampons are better option to icy trails than are YakTrax.

The Yaks are great for navigating across slippery sidewalks and streets with little lateral movement. Generally for a controlled flat placement of the feet to cross a flat slippery spot.

" ... ideal for pedestrians, the elderly, business people or anyone who want greater stability on ice and snow. Use the Yaktrax Walker while walking to and from work, school or just to the mailbox"

The insteps are usually 4 or 2 point crampons that fit in the instep of your shoe up against the front of the heel. They provide more positive control, especially if you have anything heavy on your back.

Insteps are when the trail is icy but you would really look foolish in 12 pointers. They are not something you would be caught with on a glacier, however.

Don't see them on REI anymore but this is what they look like. Good price too.

http://www.basegear.com/cmiinstep.html

The difference here is the harnessing..

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___33054?CS_003=2477120&CS_010=33054

Thank you Steve--I wondered it the Yaktrax was serious enough for my use but these definitely look like they will provide that "in between" option

Thanks for the information

low cost alternative:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20051230/ai_n15992634

http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm

Lori, we were going up Ice House trail (out of Mt Baldy Village) one winter morning. We got near the saddle and absolutely could not stand up. Even crawling on hands/elbows and knees and even squirming on belly you would sloooowwwly start to creep off and head down canyon.

Went back the next morning after another coating from an overnight ice storm and walked right on up to the saddle using insteps...which was a little stupid because we had to come back down that same ice. You will find that coming down steep trail with insteps is a bit more challenging than going up.

But when one is determined nothing will stop ya.

These helpers are not always safe, as you can get over confident in situations, even in the San Gabriells, that sometimes really require the full set up, including an ice ax (to stop a slide) and crampons (to get out of that impossibly awkward position you are now in). Mt Baldy at times really gets to be like a very slick temporary glacier with some steep thick ice that covers the 'tourist' trail after big ice storms.

Always best to come back at another time either with re-enforcement or a melting heat wave. Hot chocolate is always nice in front of a big fireplace as an option.

More info on screw boots:

http://www.vermontphoto.com/wildwhites/screwbootgallery/pages/1.htm

Steve

I went to A16 and found a set of the instep crampons. This was a great find as they are light weight for me to carry when I do not want to commit to carrying my crampons (when the need is questionable). Thank you again as I can't believe that I never came upon these.

I agree completely with what you said about Baldy etc. I live in the LA area so I am very familiar with the changing conditions. I believe "summits are not guaranteed"

I am leaving this morning for the portal to enter on Monday. Although I have climbed many of the Sierra mountains, and several 14 fter's I have never been up Whitney. I had a pass this time last year when the early storm came the day we were to leave, so didn't make it last year.

I will take pictures along the trail and post conditions when I get back on Thursday. We are shooting for Whitney, Mallory, Irvine and maybe Thor--depending on conditions, time and physical capabilities.

This board has been a great asset to my planning. I thank everyone and I will be sure to give back with a report upon my return.

Came down from Trail Crest this afternoon: the ice is consolidated to the inside of the trail along the wall. There is a very clear and easily walked path (plenty of room) between the ice and the cables. I'll have pics up by tomorrow, I hope, but until something else (ie: storm) hits, it's clear.

-L

wonder what it will be like in 3 weeks?

Laura, you could have lied just a little bit and made it sound a bit more stressful I just couldn't make it past the last 10' of iced section (on the 15th) where the cables lay over the drop. Honest, there wasn't enough "clear and easily walked path" to get by there (for me). I sure wish I had your comfort level (or maybe your ability to take yourself through places with some tears)! One day I'll get to the top!

Bobbie: I thought of you and Chris as we descended today. Conditions up there change so wickedly fast this time of year, and it may have absolutely been more stressful when you tried to go through last week.

The guys and I talked about this section today, and I had said that while it doesn't present a particular challenge, for some it is a first experience with a bit of exposure, which is frightening! Then, they had to go and put cables there to make it seem even MORE imposing!

Whenever you are ready to try again, give me call.

-L

Hey
Ice was no problem on Sept 20, 2008---There was enough trail raocks embedded in it by the time we got there, there was no problems
15 of us started out at 4:00am 9 summited, 2 got ams, the rest looked at the switchbacks to Trail Crest and decided to enjoy the view.

Moosie - Wow! Daytime + jackets + ice = BRRRRRRR!

Great pics as always. Just so you are aware - I have been officially jealous now for way too long! Keep 'em coming!

Last time I was up in the backcountry was 30 years ago. Up until last year, the couch was my favorite friend. I've been running now for a year again. I'm hoping to spend some time up in the back country next summer.

Thanks for keeping me motivated!

Cables on 9-21-08:







Thanks, Glenn! I remember when you had your knee replaced a year ago. Way to go on the running recovery! I've read your blog and looks like you've come a long way!! COngrats!

-L