Melakwa Lake

Snow with deep ruts about 1/4 mile from the trailhead, but otherwise the road is clear. Snow starts at trailhead. Where the trail makes it's first topout and traverses there was lots of sloppy snow (wear your gaiters), and while we walked part of it snowshoes were a big help. The winter trail heads diagonally up (UP) at the end of the traverse valley, at a good angle, then really gets steep. We used MSR lightning ascent snowshoes and they gripped all the way, including lots of 45+ angles near the top. We pooped out about 1/4 mile from the saddle. Crampons were a help on the way down, but not needed if you don't mind slipping and slopping - no danger at all if you slid even quite a ways. A really fun day!