Mt Whitney Conditions

Got some permits for Mt Whitney for mid-May. At first we only were considering Mountaineer’s route due to the time of year. After seeing some ticks in Jan, Mar, April, we are now considering East Buttress.

What’s the best way for me to keep track of conditions? I don’t see a Snotel site near there?

We will plan on doing east buttress but retreat to mountaineer’s if it’s too snowy.

FYI, Montana/Wyoming climber so mid-May to me is snow covered routes. 

I find the Whitney webcam http://www.whitneyzone.com/wc_notes.htm  useful or Sentinel though that will just give a rough idea of snow coverage.

Looks like that webcam hasn’t been updated since 2/14/24? Or was I missing something?

Thank you though!

Try looking for conditions on this website/forum:

http://www.mountwhitneyforum.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=1

Specifically, the thread "2024."

I remember last year when I was searching for conditions updates, there were a couple mt whitney facebook pages that were super helpful. You definitely have to filter through a lot of facebook crap but people will report on their trips there.

Mitch Steiner wrote:

Looks like that webcam hasn’t been updated since 2/14/24? Or was I missing something?

Thank you though!

Mine is updating fine. Specifically at http://www.whitneyzone.com/webcam/whitney.jpg

Seems to be from a few minutes ago right now.

Sean Anderson wrote:

Mine is updating fine. Specifically at http://www.whitneyzone.com/webcam/whitney.jpg

Seems to be from a few minutes ago right now.

Ah I had to copy and paste into a new browser and it worked. 

A J wrote:

I remember last year when I was searching for conditions updates, there were a couple mt whitney facebook pages that were super helpful. You definitely have to filter through a lot of facebook crap but people will report on their trips there.

Yes I just joined a Mt Whitney page. 90% is FB crap but yes some good TR’s on there as well.

Thank you!

Attempted the East Buttress route yesterday (4/20/24) and found a lot of snow and ice still! We had to bail after about 4 pitches because the snow was slowing us down significantly. 

Attempted the East Buttress route yesterday (4/20/24) and found a lot of snow and ice still! We had to bail after about 4 pitches because the snow was slowing us down significantly. 

Emma Ely wrote:

Attempted the East Buttress route yesterday (4/20/24) and found a lot of snow and ice still! We had to bail after about 4 pitches because the snow was slowing us down significantly. 

Very good info!

Thank you!

I’ll be up there in 2 weeks and most likely just do the MR.

Anyone been up there lately? I’ll have to check the FB page soon. 

Went back for redemption on the East Buttress on 4/29/24 and it was much less snowy and we summitted. There was still some snow but pretty manageable.