Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Snow Conditions on Switchbacks June 16

Should I be prepared to climb the chute or are the switchbacks likely to be hikable with crampons and axe by June 16th?

I know that the snow pack is at about 60% this year. I have done winter climbs above 14k in Colorado with crampons so I am comfortable hiking in winter conditions but need to mentally prepare for the chute if it is the route I will likely have to take.

If you are comfortable with crampons and ice axe, you will probably prefer the "chute" to the switchbacks. It’s steeper, but it’s shorter and more direct. I think SteveC keeps track of when the switchbacks “open” each year, but I’ll guess that your chances are around 50% this year.

Here's the "When will they open" annual stats.

2018 had a 50% snow level for April 1, and I put that most people were using the switchbacks by June 16. So your mid-June ascent may be your choice -- you could go either way.

Anybody know where I can find the April 1 snow level stats for those prior years? I'd like to fill in the blanks on that info.

It's not exactly what you are looking for, but Mammoth Mountain Weather link has "Extended Snow History". Link below takes you to weather, scroll down and fine "Extended Snow History"

https://www.mammothmountain.com/mountain/winter-weather

Of course this is for Mammoth, not Whitney, and you would have to estimate % values, but might be helpful.

I would tell you I climbed around this date with this snowfall and the switchbacks were about to be open. However, the chute was so well trodden that it was basically a 1000' staircase to the crest.