What can I expect for temps? How about snow? Crampons & axe needed?
Thanks!

Here's a few pics from Monday the 5th - West Ridge and North Ridge approach.

North Ridge approach from Saddlebag Lake


West Ridge approach


closer on West Ridge approach


looking down at the North Ridge

Anyone been up there lately ? Wondering about approach conditions for the West Ridge ..

Did the west ridge yesterday from Saddlebag Lake. There was still some snow between Alpine Lake and the summit plateau, but it has lots of suncups and runnels. I brought an ice axe, and it came in handy .. some of the snow was hard in the morning above 11500'. The snow was melting fast though. The descent gully was snow-free, just some patches in the talus below.

What a sweet route







The summit register was out of paper as usual, and I forgot to bring a spare notebook this time I improvised -



Full set here.

Rob,

Thanks for the report. A coupe of friends and I are heading up tomorrow to do north ridge.
I will try to bring a new notebook up.

Sean

Nice pics Rob - thanks for sharing. Looks like a lot of the snow melted pretty quick.
Also looks like you soloed it. Props to you. I think that would scare the bejesus out of me. It is an awesome route. And it was my first Sierra summit. I must have squeezed my name in the last spot of the register but it looked like there were about 6 or 7 of them in there. I'll remember to carry one next time or at least post it up.