There can be a big difference between October 1st and October 31st. Several years ago the Labor Day forecast indicated rain, but then the temperature dropped and the Sierra were blasted with blizzard conditions for four days over that weekend. Two people died on Whitney and two more died in the Bishop Creek drainage. Our SAR team carried out the bodies. You need to be prepared for whatever Nature throws at you. Snow historical statistics are not always an indicator of how low the temperatures will be. Cold without much snow can still be deadly. Always check weather forecasts for at least a couple of weeks ahead and equipment yourself accordingly.
My rule of thumb after October 1st is do be ready for full-blown winter conditions, and bail-out if things get gnarly. Meaning that if snow-fall accumulates over an inch an hour for an hour, this means potential trouble ahead and be prepared to head down-hill.
How cold you asked? Cold enough to make hiking and camping really uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening. Water bottles and toes freezing, etc, etc. It isn't the beach.
Last edited by Bob West; 06/29/20 01:09 PM.
