I see the main risks of the chute being if the snow got too soft and you slid down. Perhaps the chute is overall just more unpredictable?
I understand that probably everyone and their mom has asked if they should take the chute or the switchbacks, and I know conditions can change rapidly. Just wondering what people think based on the latest trip reports/photos.
Sean, the main risks of the chute are it's freezing up and becoming icy slick! Softer snow does not slide well. Soft might be more difficult to climb due to your sinking in. But icy is dangerous.
As these sunny days go by, more and more will use the switchbacks, and fewer will be on the slope. I keep seeing reports from people saying the switchbacks aren't that tough.
