I plan on climbing Mount Whitney via the Mountaineers route in a week or so which I wonder if anyone has some tips or major hazards that I should be aware of. Obviously if there is a lot of fresh snow I would expect avalanche danger, but when things are more mellow is there still high avalanche danger up this route? I currently don't own a beacon but have some what of a clue of what to watch out for with avalanche danger signs.

And if anyone has been there recently, some conditions beta would be very much appreciated.

Hey Josh - It's been really dry here so far this winter and no big storms are currently on the horizon, though that could change in a hurry. At this point avalanche is not a major concern.

Here are a couple of relevant forums where you will find more up-to-date info:
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/
http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum ... d/1/page/1

This is the best forecast for the area:
http://www.easternsierraforecast.com/forecast/

NWS 7-day for Trail Camp, 12K:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... tType=text

Webcams:
http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/
http://www.whitneyzone.com/webcam/whitney.jpg

there's not a great deal of avy danger on the MR or the approach in Dec-Jan, although there can be some slab danger on the descent if you swing lower over on the plateau before regaining the chute to the MR rather than down climb or rap off the top back the way you came. The short class 3-4 section at the top (after the chute, just before the summit) can become scary iced-up rock; just stay hard over to the left and get stay on the (steeper) rock with clear, solid holds. Be religious about getting up early and making tracks while the snow is still frozen on the approach; if there's much cover and you're in it when the sun comes up you'll post-hole for miles

Im going to be down in the Eastside sometime 26th-31st. My partner had to bail. Let me know if anyone wants some good company. Thanks!

When I was there about 10 days ago there was 0% chance of avalanche danger which most of the route was fairly dry with snow and ice in places. Ok there was some snow in the gully up but it was very solid but good for kicking in steps. Trip Report should be coming in 4 days or so.

Good on you Josh! Looking forward to the report.

Thanks for the update. Good luck have fun. Let us know how it looks!