9 people have died in SoCal the last 3 winters...8 were utilizing light traction devices and poles.
If the trail is not an option on the north side of Forester Pass or at the Chute. Skills, helmet, crampons and axe are required. You cannot self belay with a collapsible trekking pole.
Cottonwood Pass is an easy over even in big winters; both the pass and its backdoor.
