Newclimber, be sure to read Shri S's trip report here:   Mt Whitney Main Trail in April

He did very well, took his time, and stayed safe.

If you need to melt snow, the pump-style MSR stoves (Dragonfly or Whisperlite) are way better than any canister. Canister stoves just don't put out enough heat to melt snow for drinking water. Also, I would think that the inlet to the Trail Camp pond would be accessible to break through the ice and dip water, but I can't be sure of that.