Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Winter Access Forum North Fork Conditions?

Any input as to still being able to bypass the EB ledges by staying in the bottom of the canyon? And is getting to Iceberg without snowshoes a good or bad idea? Thanks, Bill

We had 4-6 inches of new snow in the Southern Sierra with this last storm that passed thru ("northern" exposures on the PCT had me "postholing" on the way to Morris on Tuesday).

I'd imagine Whitney got more than that, but wouldn't think snowshoes will do you much good. Just keep to the outline of the boot track if it hasn't been completely buried.

Last Sunday, I scrambled up the north side Wall Route, some on rock and some on snow. I could have stayed on the snow the whole way if I had wanted to.

I think (big question mark since I don't know what this last storm did) you'll be able to choose between doing the Ledges and staying low on snow.

Look at my "North Fork Recon" album for some photos from last week.

Thanks, Richard - Great photos. Did your friend manage to clear the slide? Is the road passable to the portal yet?

Thanks!

Chuck was a crazy one!

Doug said he would post as soon as the road crews finish their work. I'd watch for that. (I'm hoping it happens by Saturday, although I'll ride a motorcycle up if I don't hear that it open.)

I wonder, has anyone been up here since after the storm last weekend?

We'll be heading up today- No idea what the snow line will be at though. Could someone shed some light on the Portal Road coditions as of recent?