My group hiked Mt. Whitney yesterday (5/31) without additional gear (crampons/microspikes) and made it to the top and back safely. We said we would see how the conditions were but most hikers already coming down said the conditions were fine. We decided to go up until we felt it was unsafe, this was luckily to the summit, going back down the switchbacks was fine however if we had gotten there any later the ice may have been a big factor. We did see quite a few people using the chute (I would not attempt that without proper experience/skills/equipment). Prepare for the summit but be more satisfied by coming back in one piece. A very enjoyable day.
