Sierra Angler, I appreciate your perspective and hopes. I agree that given the time that has passed, it doesn't look good, but I find information from Maverick over on the High Sierra Topix thread somewhat heartening:
Info as of 4:30pm, 11/19.
- Mike drove up to the Portal area on 11/5, he planned to acclimate for a few days
- He planned on doing Mt. Irvine, and if time permitted Mt. LeConte as a day hike on the 9th, not Russell on the 8th as previously reported
- Experienced, and had all the gear to successful complete hike, and to survive in the elements
- Texted his parents on 11/8, basic greeting, no info
- Left route information, planned on using "East Chute" route of Mt.Irvine
- Some wilderness permits were pulled and checked
- Has a -40 degree parka (red & black), black pants, and black boots, no further information available, did numerous -40/-50 degree outings in MN, where he is from originally
This also addresses one of Saltydog's questions -- the text was apparently uninformative. I don't know exactly where the SUV was found.
Here's a link to the HST thread:
http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13716#p102757Thanks to Steve C for the Whitney web cam photos.