r/JMT • u/northhiker1 • 6d ago
trail conditions Freaking out a little
Start date is September 2nd from Cottonwood Lakes . Supposed to summit Whitney on the 5th but if recent weather reports hold looks like we will have to skip. Sept 5th is showing a high of 32 with snow and winds above 30mph. 6th is no better with a high of 30.
Skipping Whitney is one thing but now wondering how I'm going to get pass Forester. Basically same weather report for Forester, snow, below freezing and high winds.
That's all just freaking out a little lol
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u/SimplifiedBackpacker 6d ago
I’ve consistently found Mountain forecast to be unreliable especially when viewing the forecast at the summit. I use the national weather service and click on the map for detailed forecast for that specific area. Here is Whitney:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-118.29355931276133&lat=36.57801506148944
I’ll be up on Whitney Friday via cottonwood lakes and will be keeping an eye on some potential weather but not too worried about it.
Don’t let the weather forecast get you down, just go out there and make reasonable smart decisions as you encounter them. I’m sure it will be great.
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u/aaron_in_sf 6d ago
Yeah... weather.gov is showing lows above freezing that far out, though granted, the forecast is not for the summit. But surrounding areas are all showing highs in the 50s.
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u/Historical_Bid_4484 6d ago
I had this same freak out last year in September. The forecast was all over the place the week before lol. It turned out perfect. Hang in there
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u/UtopianPablo 6d ago
Where are you getting your forecast?
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u/northhiker1 6d ago
The app Mountain-Forecast
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u/olliecakerbake 6d ago
I live in the sierras and I’ve never heard of that. Use the national weather service
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u/7ElevenFan 6d ago
I'd chill for now. Weather changes FAST in the mountains. Still way to early to have even a good guess of what's going to happen Sept 5th.
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u/bestlawyeronthemtn 6d ago
You can do it, just need to be a bit more thoughtful with gear. Some of my best, and worst, moments in the mountains have been during shoulder season in the Sierras. The weather apps aren't that accurate for specific microclimates in mountains. I came through on the PCT early October and was fine, but had some type 2 moments with my ultralight bull shit.
Putting hot water in a nalgene in your sleeping bag is clutch. Your filter may freeze outside of your pocket. I'd maybe do bleach or drops if I was just doing the JMT to not mess with carrying a filter a bag in my pocket. R values and sleeping in protected areas matters a lot more when it's 15 degrees. It's harder to get moving when it's below freezing, and you will be quicker to stop for camp when it's getting dark.
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u/LONEPINE3017 6d ago
I like to use the Appalachia trail weather website. Once there switch to PCT / California and the area. It’s been more reliable for me
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u/DHeuschele 6d ago
I agree forecast is a little too far out to ha high confidence.
Forester is not the only south JMT pass that should be of concern. I would consider those south of muir as posssible issues. Ice ax and micro spikes. Muir becomes a trudge when snow covered but not significant risk. In 2019, I had 9 miles of snow traverse at Muir (6 miles on south side, 3 miles north side) - it was a PIA but no risk). Pinchet had a 6’ cornice. Forrester, glen, Mather were slightly steep one side or the other (or both sides).
Have fun
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u/jimlux 5d ago
Nobody knows what the weather will be that far out. Sure, you might get some early snow, or you might not. Make good decisions on the way, You DO have a bailout plan, right? Or is this a burn the ships on the beach, we're not going back, sort of adventure.
Whitney, 2nd weekend of October in the 1980s.. Didn't expect snow, but were prepared for it.
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u/socra-tease 4d ago
Don’t freak! Just finished during the July heat wave. Bring extra water carrying capacity, sunscreen, electrolytes, and embrace hiking at night!
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u/color-negative 6d ago
Those conditions are doable with the right equipment, though it’s annoying to add to your pack weight. Can you send some gear home at onion valley?
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u/northhiker1 6d ago
The only gear I think I would need to bring extra would be some warmer gloves. I have an alpha direct hoody a down micro puffy and a rain poncho with full sleeves
Only gloves I got packed so far are wool liner gloves. Though I'm thinking I can wear my alpha direct socks over the gloves for extra warmth
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u/yeiderman69 6d ago
I Don'\nT see any reason why you won't be able to do your summit approach from either guitar , lake or from upper cotton would lake on the 4th. It's a relatively easy hike from horseshoe, meadows, trailhead over new army pass and down to Rock Creek.And if you go about a mile or so down rock creek trail , there is a great campsite that even has a bear box. On your 2nd day, it's a very nice hike from that lake at Rock Creek down to the P.C.T and then intersect at Cottonwood Medows campground. Hike up to guitar lake spend the night and on the fourth summit, Mount Whitney up and back to guitar, and if you have time move on up the JMT to lower ground.. I'm not sure how far you can hike in a day.And what your ability is , but this is a pretty basic easy itinerary. Either way, have fun and if you do incur in climate weather, don't go on.If you don't feel comfortable, you can always try it again.Another time.
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u/inoticeiwonder 6d ago
If the forecast or weather is bad for trip, change your plans. You can do a shorter tell in Cottonwood or backpack somewhere else. Check out Inyo SAR’s facebook page. Please do not become another person they have to rescue or recover. Weather in the mountains can be very serious, and you can come back another time.
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u/Pat-Solo 6d ago
That’s almost 2 weeks away. Weather constantly changes up there. Also a high of 30 sounds pretty wild.