Monday, May 3, I checked Recreation.gov online and saw a bunch of overnight permits, so I couldn't resist. I grabbed one for next day, and off I went. I climbed to Trail Camp on Tuesday, and Wednesday, worked on the snow at the cables. The cables are now clear for the season (I hope, unless some of the wall caves).

I hiked to the summit on Thursday only using hiking boots and hiking poles, but microspikes would be advisable. Crampons would be tough to use since there is so much dry trail between the snow-covered spots.

By Memorial Weekend, nobody will be able to use the chute to climb--too much postholing through to rocks, and no glissading, due to thin snow and the danger of hitting your butt on rocks. I don't know if ALL the snow will be gone from the trail. Currently the worst/trickiest spot left is the top switchback, just before Trail Crest.

Here's the picture at The Cables -- cleared down to bedrock, except for a layer of ice, so they could be slippery.
[Linked Image]