Mountaineer's Route on Whitney was blazed, with packed snow trail up to the final approach to Lower Boy Scout Lake. Ledges were lightly iced but passable with crampons, but the route through the willows was well-traveled. No snow shoes or crampons needed although heel-lifts on snowshoes were a welcome relief on the final quarter mile climb up to the lake. Off-trail powder was 'sugar snow' approximately 2-3ft deep. No danger of avalanche up to Lower Boy Scout Lake. Temps were nice around 10-20F with little if any wind. Clear skies. Water running freely just past the portal, and in the willows. No need to carry water at all, drink your fill at the streams. Road closure just past Lone Pine campground but road remained snow/ice-free to within a quarter mile of the Portal signage… rockfall heavy in the final mile, be careful. Some ice patches in shaded corners but easily passable with front-wheel-drive sedan.
Photos available
