Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion MR conditions mid-August

Hi: I was supposed to do the MR this past Sept. but unfortunately had to cancel. I'm hoping to do it mid. Aug. 2016. I just read a trip report from Aug. 5, 2015, and there was still a pile of snow and ice near the top. And this was a drought year.

Does anyone know if mid Aug is typically dry on the MR?

Thanks,

Kay

Hi Kay,

I suggest you check out Kurt Wedberg's web page: http://sierramountaineering.com/

Click on the "Photos and Videos" tab, and then "Sierra Trips", and you will find photos of many trips, organized by year. I looked at both 2015 and 2014 and there were trips in July and Aug., none of which showed any significant snow.

Having said that, 2016 is predicted to be a big year for rain and snow, so could be different, but based on a quick look I would guess you should be OK with mid/late Aug.

I went up both the Main Trail (June 20th) and the MR (Sept. 20th) in 2012 and the only snow I encountered was on the Main Trail near the top, and it was not a problem. No gear needed.

Good luck,

John

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. K