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Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
#17784 08/25/11 06:58 PM
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Tony Offline OP
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Heya all,

I had planned a trip up whitney for a day last week, but work had to delay the trip. I have never done whitney (have done similar peaks), so not very sure of the conditions at different times of the year. Any advice would really help.

Well, we have two date options available. Due to jury duty, my next available climb date would be in mid September. Are conditions in September still good for climbing (I don't want to miss doing it this year).

My other planned date was after a road trip in mid-november. This date would work much better as we are passing right through lone pine, but with no great experience in icy conditions (i.e. crampons, snowshoes, ect), I was not sure if this date is out of season for whitney climbing.

Or is the season pretty much winding down. If so I will make a huge effort to get there in the next week or two.

Any advice would help loads,
Tony

Last edited by Tony; 08/25/11 07:00 PM.
Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
Tony #17785 08/25/11 07:11 PM
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Hi Tony,
I am far from a seasoned expert, but i have been on the MMWT in June, July, August, September and November. September is definitely my favorite month.

Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
tdtz #17786 08/25/11 07:15 PM
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I'll second Sept.

Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
wazzu #17787 08/25/11 07:24 PM
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Thanks guys, was definitely scared I'd miss the season laugh!

How much worse is November than September?

All the best

Last edited by Tony; 08/25/11 07:24 PM.
Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
Tony #17788 08/25/11 07:27 PM
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Much, much worse. You basically have no snow in September. November will most likely be a postholing nightmare due to fresh/soft snow.

Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
Tony #17789 08/25/11 07:28 PM
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A video is worth a 1000 words. From October 21, 2010: helicopter rescue of three hikers stranded in a winter storm who had to spend 3 nights at the summit hut before a helicopter was flown in to take them out.

Whitney Helicopter Rescue October 2010

Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
Anonymous1 #17790 08/25/11 07:28 PM
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Tony Offline OP
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alright, thanks I better get to planning for a date next month.
Thanks for the advice all. Amazing video btw

Tony

Last edited by Tony; 08/25/11 07:31 PM.
Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
Tony #17791 08/25/11 07:48 PM
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Be prepared for cold weather in September. Nights are definitely chilly. And if there is any wind, trail crest to the summit is biting cold. And it can snow in September.

But the really great news...no skeeters.

Re: Need Advice on Good Date for Whitney.
Tony #17832 08/26/11 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted By: Tony
...My other planned date was after a road trip in mid-november. This date would work much better as we are passing right through lone pine, but with no great experience in icy conditions (i.e. crampons, snowshoes, ect), I was not sure if this date is out of season for whitney climbing.

Or is the season pretty much winding down. If so I will make a huge effort to get there in the next week or two....

What sucks about a mid-November is that the WPS will be closed for the season. That means no pancakes, burgers, beers, or fries (not necessarily in that order).

You will need to stop by the Inter-Agency during business hours to obtain a permit. There is no quota between November 1 and May 1, but you will need a permit.

For Whitney months in order of preference (1) August (2) September (3) July.

Ain't no such thing as "winding down."

"Wind up" gettin' your butt up there! grin


Journey well...

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