Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Kearsarge-Whitney in June 2015?

I have a Whitney Exit permit for the second week of June 2015. Logic: It is a record low snow year, 8% of normal. Assumption: The remaining snow June 7 will be like mid July of a normal year. (I would be hiking south from Kearsarge Pass/Rae Lakes and reach Whitney on June 14.)

Anyone have experience that would help me to predict just how snowy the passes will be this June? I don't want to carry more gear than I am likely to need. Thanks in advance.

Last year over the 4th of July weekend, I went to Rae Lakes starting from Onion Valley, over Kearsarge Pass (~11700') and Glen Pass (~11800). I realize this is north of where you're headed, but maybe gives you an idea of the surrounding area. Here are photos I took: Rae Lakes 2014.07.04 The only snow we encountered on the trail was on the north side of Glen Pass for a few hundred feet or so coming down the pass. This year seems like it will be drier than last.
have fun,
fco

Those are nice photos, pakoR. They give me a much better idea of the terrain.

Last year was very dry and this year is drier, even exceeding the 76-77 season. It appears that the region is melting out 10-12 weeks ahead of average. Average is mid July.

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snow/PLOT_SWC

What is the weather like in May-June?

Those snow water content plots for the north/central/south Sierra are based on averages of numerous stations, mostly at or below 10,000 in open terrain. While very useful for understanding year over year trends and overall conditions, they don't capture the local trail conditions on high passes that we're interested in. For example, pakoR ran into a large patch of snow on the north side of Glenn Pass in July when the plot showed 0 snow content as of early June.

A lot depends on weather in April-June and so far we're accumulating snow in April and the long-range forecasts indicate cooler than average conditions for the next few weeks. But it would take a miracle May to really change things very much and delay the meltoff more than a few weeks. Based on all that, for July of this year Kearsarge-Whitney, I would plan for some snow on Forester Pass and patches in shady north aspects areas, but I wouldn't plan on needing any special gear to deal with it other than good footwear. Re-evaluate as you get closer to your departure, and as they say, your mileage may vary.

As people start posting trip reports, we'll get a better understanding of real trail conditions. Personally, I prefer to have some snow on the peaks for scenery, and I don't mind dealing with Sierra cement, so I plan to get out a lot this spring after the weather pattern shifts to warmer and the real melt-out gets going. It's also great to get ahead of the skeeters and crowds if you can.

I think SierraNevada is right. You shouldn't need any special gear for the few snow patches you might encounter.

check the forum list for recent trip report: Whitney Main Trail April. There are pictures of east and west side.

Gives you an idea of conditions at that time. Whitney west side was nearly all cleared off. Kearsage gets plenty of sun on both sides. Forester's steeper south side gets plenty of sun, north side is gentle and can be done no matter what.

Luggy midweight boots would be enough on whatever small area you might encounter. Despite all the hoopla about trailrunners and other tennis shoes, I like to have some grip in all conditions. even a summer hailstorm can change a dry, safe trail.

Last year on May 4th, I went into the backcountry....over trail Pass, down to the Kern River, up Wallace Creek to the JMT before turning around due to snow.

On June 8th, I did the same trip but included side trips to Forester Pass (south facing), then up to Wallace Lake. I finished by exiting New Army Pass.

Snow was virtually non-existent on that trip with stream levels very low for crossing.

So, I can't imagine you having a problem yes, there probably will be some snow on the north side of Forester.

The temperatures can be downright cold at night in May and June, certainly below freezing above 10,000'. We experienced teens at Trail Crest mid-May and 20s at Chicken Spring Lake in early June.

Although, there has not been much snow this year, the north side sun protected areas will still be an issue. The only area I would not want to deal with if there was snow on this trip was the south side of Forester Pass, which I do not believe will be a problem this year in your time frame.

I agree with Harvey on footwear. There maybe enough snow that the traction you get from boots may will be worth the extra weight.

Good point SierraNevada, the snow measuring stations aren't on trails. Trip reports will be helpful, like the one Harvey Lankford pointed to.

That weather data is really useful, wbtravis. Drier year does not imply warmer nights. Guess I'll be carrying the warmer sleeping bag.

Glad to see so much agreement among you all about boots. I'm always looking for justification to wear mine, heavy as they are. With a pack they're just more comfortable than lighter footwear.

Trail runners are lighter and can allow you have longer days but they are not more comfortable...especially on rough trails like the MMWT.