Approach trail to Chicago Basin is clear of deadfall, but there Sunday's monsoon surge created a washout that has potential to become a full-blown gully for about 1000' ~2 miles below the basin (edit: attached example photo taken by daway8). Trail from basin to start of the ascent to Twin Lakes has running water and mud for a significant portion.
There is a brief snow crossing above the headwall, but traction isn't a necessity there. Approach to the saddle consists largely of either frozen mud or liquid mud depending on whether the sun has risen high enough yet. The remaining bit of scrambling is dry.
Summit block is just as intimidating as pictures and video make it look, but if you're with professionals who have ropes and know how to use them, it's doable even for the faint hearted.
|