Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Whitney Main Trail (7/20/14) Thunder Storm/Failed Attempt

This past Sunday was probably the worst day to be on the mountain. Two thunder storm, hail, snow hit at 5am and another at 6am.

I started my hike at 2am and made it up to trail camp at 5am when the 1st thunderstorm and hail storm hit. A group of 10 young adults ran off trail camp as 3 lighting struck within 200 yards of trail camp.

I hid under a small rock, but both gloves and shoes were pretty much soaked. The rain/hail stopped and temperature then turned cold. It started to clear up and many continued up the switchback. I then noticed a 2nd storm coming and decided to talk it over. About 5:45am, pretty much everyone who were going up the switchback ran down it. The 2nd storm looks pretty mighty and no one was going to be risk being a lighting rod on the switchbacks. Most started down the mountain.

I found a nice covered rocks area by trail camp and decided to stay put under my little cave/covers to wait the storm out. At 6am, the 2nd storm came in, full of thunders, hail, snow, and it became a complete whiteout blizzard. I waited 45 minutes for the thunder to at least goes away and for things to lighten up. The snow lighten up a bit and we made our way down the mountain.

I was bummed for not able to summit; however, I acknowledge the protocol and took safety first. I shall be back...soon.

Just wow! Incredible pictures, Sam. Thanks!

Must have been a rough morning, though.

Glad you made it back down OK. I was driving down 395 towards Lone Pine that morning at the time those storms hit, and it was pretty intense. It must have been very scary up on the mountain in the middle of it all.

Beautiful (and chilling) photos!

Your experience underscores the thought that you should always be prepared for anything on these big mountains.

Better weather next time!

Not a "failed attempt"...

Call it a "wise decision."

BTW, awesome pictures!

You are definitely a gifted photographer.... what kind of camera did you have.

paul

Thanks Steve. Also, thanks for all of your help, answers on this board, which helped me to prepare for what to expect. I post this to make sure others are aware of what it can be like if they go up on a bad day, and what they should hopefully prepare to bring.

Steve Chamberlin,

It was the scariest thunder storm I have been around. Usually I am drinking hot tea in a house when it pouring thunders. In this case, I am exposed at 12k, on granite that is also conductive. On top of that, I saw 3 lightings within 300 ft of trail camp. It is just too close.

I am glad I bought my Northface waterproof outer jacket and the fact that I wore 3 layers underneath. I also had gloves (not waterproof), and an extra pair of socks. I could have hiked all the way up to trailhead with just 2 light layers and I am so glad I bought the extra layer just in case of the scenario that happened. There were folks going up in shorts as well as those who has no rain coat or waterproof tops.

Yes, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE MOUNTAIN. Prepare for the worst as anything can happen.

Paul,

I used the basic Canon T4i with 18-135mm STM len. I did not used any filters. About 3-4 of these photos were taken with my phone (Samsung Galaxy S4).

Great photos. I was about 20 minutes behind you that day and ended up making the same decision. It was tough to turn around, but like you I'll be back soon. Trying to get a permit for weekend of 8/23.

Kyle,

I finally went back and did it in mid August. It was the right choice that we turned back then. It is physically demanding enough to do it in great weather. Never would I be able to do it with the condition on that day.