Mount Whitney peak
Mount Whitney rises to 14,494 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sierra Nevada range.
Standing at an elevation of 14,505 feet, it offers a challenging and exhilarating experience for mountaineers. The mountain spans an impressive size of 20 square miles and is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking panoramic views.
During the winter season, Mount Whitney receives heavy snowfall, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. The snowpack range varies from year to year, with an average snow depth of around 10-15 feet. This creates ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as skiing and snowshoeing.
Several creeks and rivers are fed by the runoff from Mount Whitney. The most significant of these is the Kern River, which flows northward from the mountain, providing a vital water source for the surrounding region. Other notable waterways include Lone Pine Creek and Whitney Creek, which also benefit from the mountain's runoff.
Named after Josiah Whitney, the State Geologist of California, Mount Whitney has a rich history and is steeped in interesting lore and legends. Native American tribes considered the mountain sacred and believed it was the home of powerful spirits. Today, it attracts adventurers from around the world who seek to conquer its majestic peak and experience the beauty and grandeur that Mount Whitney has to offer.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Mount Whitney
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Blackcap Basin Goes | 14 in | → |
| Nohrsc Rock Creek | 4 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Whitney
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sf Tule R Nr Cholollo Campground Nr Porterville Ca | 19 cfs | → |
| Sf Kern R Nr Onyx Ca | 103 cfs | → |
| Marble Fork Kaweah R Ab Horse C Nr Lodgepole Ca | 76 cfs | → |
| Sf Tule R Nr Reservation Bndry Nr Porterville Ca | 32 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Fountain Springs Ca | 19 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Whitney
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Whitney.
Ski areas
- Buckhorn Ski Club
- Mount Baldy
- Bear Mountain
- Snow Summit Mountain Resort
- Trinity Mountain Resort
- Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts
River runs
- Tributary Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary
- Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary
- George Creek
- Headwaters To Forest Road 16s02
- Forest Road 16so2 To La Dept. Of Water And Power Property
- Ladwp Property To Wilderness Boundary
Fishing
Get Mount Whitney on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen
Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.