Road clear of snow up to about 0.5 miles past the radio towers, which is sufficient to get to several camping spots above the towers.
Climb to the start of the East slope traverse was a mix of snow and road/trail, but mostly clear and what was still snow was melting fast. The traverse along the East slope was almost entirely covered with snow. In the early AM the snow was frozen enough to merit microspikes to avoid your feet sliding downhill. Hiking solo I elected to pull my ice axe for a little more security particularly as the traverse crossed steeper sections where wet slide activity was obvious. In the afternoon the snow had soften up to justify bare-booting and sticking to trekking poles. The last summit push was a mix of snow and bare rock. There was/is a clear boot track across the traverse.
Overall the postholing was minimal throughout the day - the snow pack just is not that deep. The drainages off the East Slopes were still holding adequate snow for some ski runs but the melt is changing snow coverage quickly.
Photo 1: Broad view of traverse
Photo 2: Closer view of snow conditions in AM about 3/4 way through traverse
|