Has anyone gone up Russell recently? Any word on conditions? Crampons needed?

Thanks

KW posted your answer on Doug's board:

Here's his post.

Here is Mt Russell yesterday from the Russell-Carillon Pass.

Thanks

On October 19, I'm heading to Russell with some friends. I've done the East Ridge a couple of times, so I'm familiar with the route. Does anyone know if there is any ice or snow above 13000 feet?

There was snow and ice when I took that picture, but none that you would likely encounter. Ice and snow exist in shadows and on the North facing ridge. Some guides I met at the Russell-Carillon Pass warned me about taking that route (as I had planned) because of the ice.

You should be fine on the East Ridge, although I did not go that way.

futbol: thanks for the response. I saw the photo that you posted on September 20, but soon after that a storm left a couple of inches of snow on Whitney and Russell. After about three weeks of sunny weather, I guess that most of that new snow is gone.

Hello, I am planning on climbing the east ridge on Oct 23rd and would very much appreciate an update on the conditions you will/have encountered. Otherwise I wish you well, enjoy your climb and stay safe.

zykonb: I’d be glad to send you a short trip report. But I noticed that NWS says there is a chance of snow on October 20. So it’s possible that conditions will be much different by the time you get there.

Conditions will change this time of year as temperatures drop and the storm season approaches. The conditions a few days ago might not be what is encountered next week. Climbers need to be prepared for whatever might come, including climbing in snow and ice. The NOAA forecast for late this week shows a chance of snow showers in the Mt. Whitney/Mt. Ritter area.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php...66#.WeS6tUbn_3g

zykonb: here are a few photos from the Russell hike on October 19. There are a fair number of duplicates, but I haven't gotten around to deleting them yet.


https://pkuroda.smugmug.com/Other/Mt-Russell-October-19/n-rHLJnt/

Any update on Russell conditions? Thanks!