Couldn't drive far up FS Rd 856 beyond Mosquito Pass Rd, before deep snow crossed the road. Deep and long snowfields remain in the basin. Most can be avoided by staying on the eastern side of the basin. Short snowfield just before the ridge, couldn't really be avoided (pic 1), but was melting fast. I ascended the middle of the basin and motored on up using micro spikes, my partner just kicked in. The ridge to the summit was basically snow free (pic 2).
BEWARE: ~1/2 way up the basin, I ascended a snowfield that apparently made a snow bridge with a cliff band and I almost fell through. Ascended the solid snow with a 1-2 ft high, benign looking, line of rock across the top. Near the top, 2-3 ft from rock, my right leg punched through up to my hip. I tried to push myself up with my right hand, that too punched through. I looked down and saw my leg dangling in an airy void, with rock quite a ways below me. Not sure of the depth...10' maybe?...wasn't concerned with estimating at that time.... Fortunately, my left leg and hand stayed on top of the snow and I gingerly got my leg out of the hole and onto the rock. Tried peering down into the hole, but couldn't see the bottom from my vantage point (pic 3). Upon the descent. I, avoided the area, but saw at least 2 other sets of footprints heading up the same snowfield. :-o
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