I went up the east ridge of Russell in mid-July, and at that time from UBSL to the summit there was only one 50 ft. section just below the eastern summit where I used crampons and an ice axe to get across a snow field on the way up. The snow field was an easy crossing, but early in the morning before the snow had softened, a slip would have been very bad news. There was a more exposed bypass around the snowfield but I figured I had carried the gear all that way, so I made use of it. I would think that snow patch is entirely melted out at this point however, so I would save the weight any leave that gear at home. Have a great trip!
