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Whitney Trail: how much snow is too much?
#58278 12/16/20 01:02 PM
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Heading down to Whitney this weekend for a Sunday (Dec 20th) summit attempt on the main trail (not the MR).

We anticipate up to a few inches of snow from storm activity passing through on the 16th and 17th.

For those who have summited in the winter season, how much of an inhibition is snow on the trail provided the weather conditions are sunny and clear? We'll both have microspikes given the conditions, but would love to hear any information on how much more technical the trail becomes with light snowfall on the ground.

We both have experience with strenuous hikes at altitude, but have not done much involving snow / ice.

Re: Whitney Trail: how much snow is too much?
skeleton #58279 12/16/20 02:44 PM
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I was on Whitney last Sunday (12.13) and got caught in that snow storm and had to turn around at Trail Crest. White out conditions from Trail Crest to Trail Camp. There is a good amount of snow from Mirror Lake and up (6-12") and I think more fell on Monday and Tuesday. I believe that Inyo has closed the road for the winter. The Inyo County road department is reporting the road is close. Which makes since as it was pretty icy driving down Sunday night.


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Re: Whitney Trail: how much snow is too much?
MuffenMan #58280 12/16/20 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by MuffenMan
I was on Whitney last Sunday (12.13) and got caught in that snow storm and had to turn around at Trail Crest. White out conditions from Trail Crest to Trail Camp. There is a good amount of snow from Mirror Lake and up (6-12") and I think more fell on Monday and Tuesday. I believe that Inyo has closed the road for the winter. The Inyo County road department is reporting the road is close. Which makes since as it was pretty icy driving down Sunday night.

Thanks for the info. I've seen conflicting reports about the status of the road so will follow up with a ranger. Hopefully the road isn't blocked and we can make it to the trailhead with AWD.

Were the snow conditions on the trail forgiving enough that microspikes or boots could get through it? Hoping that this doesn't turn in to a snowshoeing kind of outing.

Re: Whitney Trail: how much snow is too much?
skeleton #58281 12/17/20 09:22 AM
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“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt” – John Muir
Re: Whitney Trail: how much snow is too much?
MuffenMan #58282 12/17/20 12:52 PM
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From what I'd read prior it was unclear what that closure actually meant (physically blocked vs unmaintained road condition).

Confirmed with the ranger that there is a gate closure 2 miles from the trailhead.

Doesn't bode well for us, but we'll probably still go check out the area even if summiting is unlikely.

Re: Whitney Trail: how much snow is too much?
skeleton #58283 12/20/20 09:44 PM
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Ended up working out, road was accessible (soft closure at lower gate) all the way to the trailhead. Quite a bit of snow along main trail but suffering through yielded a beautiful winter summit 🏔️

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Re: Whitney Trail: how much snow is too much?
skeleton #58284 12/20/20 11:06 PM
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