Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion 10/3-10/5 Cottonwood Lakes-> Rock Creek-> Mt Whitney. Safe?

I'm planning a hike from

Tues Oct 2 Day 0) Camp at Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead (or get a head start if we get a walk-in permit)

Wed Oct 3 Day 1) Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead to Rock Creek (through Old Army Pass)

Thurs Oct 4 Day 2) Rock Creek to Guitar Lake

Fri Oct 5 Day 3) Guitar Lake up to Mt Whitney down to Whitney Portal.

We're first time backpackers, and we haven't hiked in rain and snow so we don't know what to expect. I know it will be raining on Wednesday.

While it won't be snowing on Mt. Whitney on summit day, it will probably be snowing in the previous days (Tues and Wed). Will there still be any residual snow on the trail? Will conditions from previous days make it unsafe to summit on Friday (a sunny day)?

Any advice?

Thanks,
Francis