Left the trailhead just before 6 AM. Snow was firm through the willows and across the creek, may have postholed once or twice. After the willows trail is mostly clear and easy to follow up the shoulder. Tried to stay as close to the summer trail as possible though many others went straight for the summit. Was able to mostly avoid snow patches on the steeper upper portion of the shoulder but what snow I did cross was easy enough to kick footholds into. On the final push up to the summit spikes would have been nice (snow was very hard) but I made do with poles and caution. Summitted at 9:15 and it was pretty crowded. My descent was uneventful until I got back to the willows... By 11 AM sun and lots of hikers turned the snow into mush. It was so soft I doubt snowshoes would have done any good. Lots of 3+ foot postholing but the snow bridge across the creek (off to the right as you descend) was still soild least. Back to the trailhead at noon.
|
