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Water sources - dip and sip possible?
#55832 07/28/19 02:25 AM
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Hi - I'll be doing the trail on the second week of August. Planning on dip and sipping up to Trail Camp. I found this (attached) summary of water sources on the trail - but it's a bit old - is this still valid?

Also, given the current conditions, are there enough clean pools and streams to dip and sip from on the way up to Trail Camp?

PS. Just wanted to clarify that I have located this post, and it is super useful - but it is also very old: http://www.mountwhitneyforum.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=1&Number=41702

Thanks!


Whitney Trail reliable water sources


Location Mile Elevation Comment
1 Carillon Creek stream crossing 0.5 8600 From the slopes to the north

2 North Fork LP Creek stream crossing 0.6 8800 From Lower Boy Scout Lake

3 Cascade by downed log, below LP Lake 2.5 9900 Stream from Bighorn Park

4 South side of Bighorn Park 3.7 10360 Spring from the north slopes of Candlelight Peak

5 Outpost Camp 3.8 10360 From Trailside Meadow; see 7 below

5+ Outpost Camp 3.9 10360 From Mirror Lake; see 6 below

6 Outlet of Mirror Lake 4.3 10640 Can have minor organic matter late in the season

7 Stream from Trailside Meadow 4.8 11150 In spring and summer, most comes from Consultation Lake

8 Trailside Meadow 5.3 11390 Later in the season, most comes from the Trail Camp area

9 Consultation Lake 5.8 11700 Actually, off the trail to the south

10 Trail Camp Pond 6.3 12040 Next to Trail Camp

11 Stream feeding Trail Camp Pond 6.4 12040 Just west of Trail Camp Pond

12 Spring near Switchback #23 6.7 12400 Usually flows late May to September; may freeze at night


Last edited by Michael101; 07/28/19 02:48 AM.
Re: Water sources - dip and sip possible?
Michael101 #55835 07/28/19 08:00 PM
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Good Day, Most people do not do this anywhere in the Sierra's. My Dad has been an avid hiker and backpacker while I grew up, and I do quite a bit lately in my early 50's. He was a "dip and sip" guy as I grew up (I was too). But only from head springs or vast snow melt from steep clif sides. Wild game can pass giardia too. He had no issues until one bad experience with giardia which does not go away without treatment. Although it is great to chug ice cold water from a spring, I feel it is not worth the risk. Giardia is probably the most benign organism which you might contract. Treat, filter, or boil. Unless an emergency, then go for it. Just my 2 cents woth of advice.

Re: Water sources - dip and sip possible?
stressfree #55837 07/29/19 01:31 AM
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Originally Posted By: stressfree
Good Day, Most people do not do this anywhere in the Sierra's. My Dad has been an avid hiker and backpacker while I grew up, and I do quite a bit lately in my early 50's. He was a "dip and sip" guy as I grew up (I was too). But only from head springs or vast snow melt from steep clif sides. Wild game can pass giardia too. He had no issues until one bad experience with giardia which does not go away without treatment. Although it is great to chug ice cold water from a spring, I feel it is not worth the risk. Giardia is probably the most benign organism which you might contract. Treat, filter, or boil. Unless an emergency, then go for it. Just my 2 cents woth of advice.



Sorry, I should have clarified - when I say dip and sip - I mean that I will not carry water - I will dip filter sterilise and sip.

i.e. I do not plan on drinking the water unfiltered.

I will use a combination of Sawyer Squeeze (for bacteria and physical impurities) and Steripen Ultra (for viruses).

I was mainly hoping to confirm whether or not these water sources were still reliable sources of drinking water - which can then be filtered etc.

Re: Water sources - dip and sip possible?
Michael101 #55838 07/29/19 05:41 AM
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You will find these water sources are still available especially after the last wet, snowy winter. You should leave Trail Camp with at least 3 liters of water per person for the trip to the summit and back. In the early morning, source #12 may be frozen. Fill your bottles from the pond.

Re: Water sources - dip and sip possible?
RichardK #55840 07/29/19 08:03 AM
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Thanks Richard!


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