Hello, we are beginning 9/29 from Horseshoe Meadow, night at Rock Creek, the next night at Guitar Lake, then Whitney. Anyone have the latest update on trail conditions after the most recent snow? Weather outlook? Recommend crampons/micro spikes? Thanks.
The NOAA weather shows five straight days of clear and sunny weather ahead. You should have a good trip, unless a storm shows up at the end of your trip. Watch the weather forecasts closely.
The warmer weather will melt any snow that fell with the last storm, except in minor shady spots.
Sounds like we are heading up the Mountain on the same day! We hike to Outpost Camp on Friday and will head to the summit on Saturday. I've been keeping a close eye on the weather via
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Whitney/forecasts/4418 and today the winds have shifted and are now 20mph from the West. It seems to be changing daily, but so far it's at least sunny.
Looking good thus far... thank you. I'll post a pic next week of the results. Thanks!
Crossing fingers that wind forecast changes for the better... we are arriving to Lone Pine on Thursday. Depending on forecast, we may ask to change permits to Whitney Trail so that we can also summit Saturday. Depending on permit availability. Have fun!
Conditions as of October 1, 2017:
Horseshoe Meadow -> New Army Pass -> Rock Creek -> Guitar Lake -> Mt. Whitney -> Whitney Portal
Thur, Sept 28
Horseshoe Meadow: Clear skies, frigid temps (all night and morning), no wind, no snow in sight, plenty of water, low creek crossings, trail in good condition
Fri, Sept 29
New Army Pass: Clear skies, warm temps (@ 12:30 p.m.), no wind, no snow on trail, plenty of water, trail in good condition
Sat, Sept 30
Guitar Lake: Clear skies, warm temps all evening, no wind, no snow on trail, plenty of water, low creek crossings
Sun, Oct 1
Mt. Whitney (via JMT from Guitar Lake): Clear skies, warm at Guitar Lake (@ 1:30 a.m.), no snow on trail, no ice on trail, good condition
Trail Crest to Mt. Whitney; Clear skies, frigid temps (@ 4:30 a.m.); high winds, no snow on trail except for a small 10 yd patch that has melted away
Mt. Whitney Peak: Clear skies, no snow on trail, frigid temps, high winds
Mt. Whitney Trail to Whitney Portal: Clear skies, warm, ice at cables (completely manageable), no snow on trail