Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board SMOKE

It has been two weeks, but I was at Second and Black Lakes for a few nights.

It was clear and beautiful every day until around 4 in the afternoon. Then the smoke began to appear.

Every night I could smell fire.

Not the most current info, but area specific @ Halfdomer Homer. I hope it helps.

My group will be coming from the east coast and flying into Vegas then driving into Lone Pine. Has the smoke been affecting that route in through Death Valley? I'm praying for greater containment in the next week and a half! We have a lot invested in this trip.

Hi The real story unless we get rain or snow the fire will continue ,structures will be protected and back fires may be started but not much hope for this rife to end soon.
Southern Inyo is clear many days, the smoke starts just N/O Lone Pine and settles in the Valley during the evenings. Death Valley is clear most days So no issue driving to the Mountain , most people are hiking as normal without the smoke being a problem, but each day can be different conditions , My concern in 10 days would be a slight chance of snow on the upper elevation, but since you are from snow country it should not be a issue.

This link will give you current smoke distribution, not only for the immediate area, but for the state. There's a lot burning out there, unfortunately...

If I had a trip planned, I would definitely still go, just keep an eye on the wind forecast, plan on a slower pace and have a bandana to cover your nose and mouth if/when the smoke heads your way. (I find it helps to keep it damp, too.)