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Mt Whitney Trail and Snow Conditions in May
#58441 04/04/21 01:31 PM
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1
R
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R
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1
I have heard that this is an unusually low snow year, but does anyone have predictions for the snow level on Mount Whitney around May 25th, 2021 and what that will mean for trail conditions? Two of my friends and I submitted lottery requests for late June through July but did not land any. Instead, we secured an unused permit for May 25th, the latest available date. However, we are really concerned about snow and safety since this will be our first Mount Whitney attempt and none of us have any winter mountaineering experience. Any chance the switchbacks will be open by May 25th given the lower snowfall this year? I'm guessing that this is too optimistic and that we would probably have to take the chute, but I'm not sure how much snow is "too much." If the chute would likely be our only option, we may try to see if later dates open up on May 1st to give us better odds of safely summitting. Any input on trail conditions and the safety of using the chute as a beginner would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Mt Whitney Trail and Snow Conditions in May
Rachel Barnett #58445 04/04/21 10:12 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
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RB, even after the driest of winters, May 25 is an extremely early time to use the switchbacks. Here's a link:
When will Mt Whitney switchbacks open?

I think your chances of using the switchbacks are 50-50 or lower. You will definitely have significant snow above Trail Camp. You should try again on May 1 to see if you can get something later in the summer.

Beginners using the chute is not optimum. If you had someone with experience to show you the techniques, including ice axe self-arrest, that would be best.


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