We watched a Tacoma start to float trying to cross a fast and deep Castle Creek (@ 10,200 feet) fed by flash flooding the night before. Pretty much everyone chose to park before the creek after seeing that and continued on by foot across the foot bridge. By afternoon, the creek was passable by vehicle again......be smart if there's been recent precipitation; it's not worth the risk to cross in your SUV and get swept away. About 1.75 miles after the Castle Creek crossing at 11,400 feet, a 10' long section of the 4x4 road has been completely washed out by the flash flood creating another small creek that needs to be crossed. To cross the flash flood creek area by vehicle, I'd say a 2-3" lift on a Jeep/Truck/SUV and 32" tires will be necessary until the road has been repaired (assuming you don't want to do damage and are an experienced jeeper). Passing the flash flood area on foot without getting wet was a challenge, but this should get better over the coming days as the water dies down. The rest of the road up to the parking area at 12,800 feet is in pretty good shape with only 1 snow bank still crossing the road. Above the parking area at 12,800 feet, there is still quite a bit of snow on your way up to the saddle. Micro spikes and ice axe are helpful, but not necessary. The route beyond was slick from recent snow, but still in good, Class 2+ shape.
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