I just finished the JMT yesterday, Sept 7. There were all kinds of rumors among hikers about the closure during the two weeks I was on the trail. After I summited Whitney I went to Trail Crest and there was a ranger holding everyone. They let people through at 8:30 am, 11:30 am, and 3:30 pm. The ranger said they were not blasting, just pry bar and hand work. I saw 3 - 4 crews working the switchbacks when I hiked through, thanking them all for their hard work.

They were not issuing any permits from Whitney Portal for this period. After hearing this, I let the small group at Trail Crest go ahead when they let us through, and I had a unique hike down the canyon by myself, without a soul behind me, and no one hiking up the trail.