The only thing about the Sierra weather that is predictable is it unpredictability. We have been on trips where the where there was a 30% chance of rain the first day and it rained all four days.
Check the NWS forecast before you head to Lone Pine to give an idea of what to expect. Then wander over to the
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?CWD hit the earlier link then manipulate URL to get historical data.
Food and elevation are an individual thing. Wifey can go to 14,000' without thinking about any of the symptoms of AMS. Me, on the other, has to think about this 3 days prior to my arrival at Whitney Portal.
I have stood on Mt. Whitney at dawn when the temperature was below 10* F and ate a burger at Portal later that day when the temperature was a balmy 85* F. So, the clothing choices are important. Cotton clothing is just fine, if you can guarantee you won't get wet, sweat or get stuck out overnight. My clothing plan is simple...have enough clothing to make it through the night at the highest point of the trip.
