With 2017 looking more and more like a high snow year my preferred option is still to hit the Sierra on the earlier side for this year and deal with the snow. More attractive to me than other options like flip flop/SOBO/start way late and fly down the trail. I'm preparing accordingly in terms of equipment and training so I'm hoping to keep the discussion focused on my question, which is resupply options in a high snow year.
I've heard numerous mentions of MTR, Reds, and Tuolumne meadows being closed through mid/late June in a high snow year. What about the roads to Lone Pine and Bishop/Independence? I believe these would be Whitney Portal Rd. and Onion Valley Rd. from my research, correct? I found the Inyo NF webpage to check on the status of these roads but no estimate of when they may open. Walking 20/22 miles to town on a closed road is not a total show stopper but certainly nice to avoid.
I haven't heard a single mention of VVR being closed due to high snow, does this typically open earlier? Wasn't originally thinking of sending a box here but may become necessary due to slow rate of travel between Independence/Bishop and Mammoth. Even if MTR was open I would probably rather use VVR for $35 less. an 85 mile stretch seems doable even at 15/day or less in the snow.
If Reds is closed am I correct to assume the road to Mammoth is also closed?
Finally aside from these specific questions what would YOU do for a resupply strategy in these conditions?