Sounds like crappy planning and lack of knowledge. In mid summer it can be hiked in a day but you should still carry gear for winter conditions (clothes etc) but you really never need snowshoes unless it is winter. If you check most folks go up Whitney from late June thru late September.
Most definetely agree!
The cable section is a very small portion of a very big hike....
They should have bailed after it was snowing for more than 30 minutes.
There was a forecast for a storm front to hit California days ahead of their departure; they should have reconsidered.
yeah, that might have been their biggest mistake: underestimating the weather.
that comment about the east and west face differences is pretty impressive. As one gets to the crest of the snowpack (traveling east to west), you can literally feel the wind suddenly slam into you, in the space of about 5 steps (and maybe 10 feet altitude change). It's incredible.
Yes, winter on Whitney is much different than the summer. That's why I avoid winter
Sounds like they all showed up. Not much additional info, but that's one heck of a detour! Good on them for making a decision and being adaptable, instead of stubborn and dead.
http://www.modbee.com/2010/10/22/1395215/2-hikers-missing-on-mt-whitney.html
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