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My friends and I hope to summit Mt Dade via the Hourglass Couloir in about ten days. With the relatively light snow in the Sierra this year, has the Hourglass melted out enough so that it is possible to ascend it and avoid snow or ice? (We realize that will mean having to deal with some nasty scree.)

It's a bowling alley and I wouldn't do it without snow.

I wouldn't do it without snow either, but with snow it's fun.

Helmets would probably be a good idea. I don't think I'll ever forget letting loose (accidentally) a bowling ball size rock and watching it hurl towards my climbing partner lower down The Hourglass. Understandably, that rock coming at him scared him off the route. Other than the rockfall issues, I remember the route being straight forward and fun with great views up top (October 1993).

Last year, I climbed the Hourglass for my first time (solo). There was snow from the cirque at the bottom all the way up to within 50 yards of the saddle.
A few days ago, I saw a recent photo, and was shocked. There is almost no snow at all. Personally, i'd only do it again if the steeper parts (which i've heard are around 40 degrees) were under snow, but then i'm not a very experienced climber. The photo without snow makes it appear to be loose scree, which i'd guess is a hassle to climb. Whether snow or scree, though, i'd wear a helmet.

Thanks all for the quick and helpful responses. We clearly need to do a rethink regarding the first day of our Sierra hiking.