New press release from the Inyo County Sheriff and Inyo National Forest: Inyo Sheriff Facebook

Damage assessments are underway in the Whitney area due to yesterday's earthquake and major rockfall, including trail condition assessments and analyzing the potential for more rockfall.

"At this time, the Mt. Whitney Trail, the Meysan Lakes Trail, the North Fork of Lone Pine Trail (Mountaineers Route) are closed until further notice. Permits for day and overnight summits of Mt. Whitney will continue to be canceled until further notice...Whitney Portal Road has been closed to the public. All campgrounds above the closure have been evacuated and will remain closed until further notice."

I was up searching the area yesterday and can report there was sustained and significant continuing rockfall due to aftershocks and unstable cliffs. Please avoid the Whitney area for the time being and respect the closures for your safety and the safety of our First Responders. There are about 1000 alternate peaks begging to be climbed right now.