The parking area for trail #1019 (Annette Lake trail) is snow-free with the trail easy to follow to about 3200', then the trail is totally covered as the elevation climbs. We saw red flagging that must have led to the lake, as we continued toward the open slope above Annette. We headed toward the peak at about 3700'. Some hard snow was encountered in the forest and soft snow on the open slopes. However no taction devices or snowshoes were needed. Tall gators, and poles advised, for the soft snow-sinking depth of about 12 inches. This very warm, sunny day requied sun protection while traversing cautiously up along the tree line of the long open snow slope. We headed up toward the ridge and SE to the top. We saw no avalanching but this route is quite steep so we kept a safe traveling distance apart and an eye out for dislodged rocks or sliding snow. The ridge approach from the north is not an easy route so we went down around a rocky snow-free slope to gain the easier south ridge to the summit. The rocky top was snow-free and the views spectacular.
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About half way to the Lake (1 hour in), the snow covers the whole trail. I wish I had ski poles or some spikier boots because I would have kept going but it was just too sketchy - too much snow on too steep of a slope.

Snowshoe attempt to Annette Lake attempt number 2. We went in mid January but had a late start and had to turn back before the lake due to dwindling daylight. Committed then and there to return in March for another shot at getting to the lake, which we had hiked to in the summer. This time got a good start at noon, had to park on the bridge along with other cars as the road to the trailhead was impassable due to snow. The trail was well packed for 80% of the way up, multiple switchbacks, waterfalls, streams, winter wonderland. Encountered a party of 5 on their way down and informed us they weren't able to get to the lake due to avalanche concerns about the conditions at the "chutes" along the way. There are 3 main chutes the begin about 2/3 of the way up, and the first two give you pause as you go across, but were fairly well packed and if you proceed with caution don't seem to be unstable (however who really knows what lurks beneath), but the third chute was way too sketchy and we understood the previous party's concern. I ventured maybe ten feet onto the chute area and when I stopped and did the slightest movement to turn, the downward side of the slope broke out from under me. That was all it took for me to not want to be an evening news report. We were extremely close at that point, but Annette won that one. Nonetheless, it was a great snowshoe hike, absolutely gorgeous sunshine filled day.

Had considered cross-country skiing today but had an offer to snowshoe to Annette Lake so took it. Brought traction devices in addition to snowshoes just in case. Had to park on the side of the forest road because the drive to the trailhead looks risky (still deep snow and trenched). Started with microspikes and wore them the entire time. Previous snowshoes had packed the snow nicely. Poles are helpful for stream and bridge crossing. There were some snow bridges over the streams but they're still pretty solid. Hiked all the way in to a huge bare slope/chute at 3800 ft with containing 4 inches or so of fresh powder over multiple crusted layers....very long run out and no trees. In other words, turned around here due to slide potential. Possibly 1/2 mile from the lake. Had great views here of Hunchback mtn and McClellan's Butte. Saw 3 others on the trail so enjoyed the solitude.