Perhaps the most frequently ascended peak in the United States, Mt. Whitney, at 14,495 feet, is the highest point in the lower 48 states. Frustrated by stories of the difficulties in obtaining a permit to ascend Mt. Whitney in the summer months, and fearful of the corresponding crowds, our party, comprised of Brent Kious, Rowena Lohman, Alastair Preston and I decided on a mid-spring ascent.
While the rest of Southern California is feeling the onset of summer temperatures during the month of May, the Sierra is still covered by a heavy cloak of snow. Armed with sturdy shelter, warm clothing, and a limited amount of winter moutaineering gear, we began our ascent from the Whitney Portal trailhead, elevation 8,360 feet.
Despite momentarily losing the trail within only a few yards of its beginning, our progress was smooth and our confidence high as we began the ascent. After an overnight dusting of snow, the skies had cleared. This would prove to be the only moments of good weather during the duration of the trip.
A view upward from Whitney Portal, very near the trailhead.
A short distance after crossing the northern fork of Lone Pine Creek, we encountered an honest snowpack. Progress was still steady for a good while, but soon we were slowed by continual postholing, at which point we decided to put on our showshoes (Brent, Rowena, and Mark) and skis (Al).
Continuing past a few meadows near Lone Pine Lake, our progress began to slow, and the weather began to worsen. By the time we had reached Bighorn Park, snow was falling in earnest, and visibility was poor. Discouraged by the weather, and feeling the effects of the altitude, we began to wonder about our intent to reach Trail Camp by the end of this first day.
Pressing onward, we made the short ascent to Mirror Lake. With worsening weather, and great uncertainty in our ability to make Trail Camp, we opted to set up a camp in the shelter of the trees surrounding the lake. Perhaps more energized than some other members of the party, Al decided to take advantage of the freshly falling snow and make a few turns on some of the adjacent slopes.
Al begins his ascent on a slope below Wotans Throne,
Al further down the descent.
After a fabulous dinner that included a whole watermellon carried into camp (this could explain our slow progress on day one), and a good night's sleep, we awoke to more unsettled weather on day two. More snow had fallen overnight.
Mark, groggy from sleep, crawls out of the tent.
After a quick breakfast, we continued our ascent, our goal to make it to Trail Camp, perhaps pushing on to Trail Crest. Progress was again slow, and the weather dreary.
Mark enjoying the lovely spring weather in sunny and warm California.
Mt. Irvine taken as seen from a rest stop during a brief "clearing" in the weather.
Nonetheless, we were succesful in reaching Trail Camp, elevation 12,040 feet. We declinded to push on further due to general fatigue, poor visiblity (coupled with unfamiliarity with the route), and an increasing avalanche hazard on the exposed slopes leading to Trail Crest. As we began our ascent, it became clear just how poor visibility can become in an alpine environment.
Brent and Rowena descend into the mist.
Lower down, visiblity improved slightly, and Al was able to enjoy the advantages of descending on skis.
Al descdends towards the meadows surrounding Mirror Lake.
Al catches some serious air in the gullies below Lone Pine Lake.
Pushing on through camp, we continued towards the trailhead. Despite a forecast calling for clearing from the moment we departed Whitney Portal, the snow continued to fall. This was not always a bad thing, however.
The sun struggles to shine through falling snow. Thor Peak looms above. After arriving at the trailhead, we drove into Lone Pine as the sun set over the Owens Valley.
A view south down the Owens Valley.
A quick dinner at PJ's in Lone Pine, and all was right with the world. Next year...