Windy day at the balcony and peak today! Started at 7:15 am and didn't see a soul for over four hours. Trail to the balcony is now clear of ice and snow. At times, the wind was muted, which was nice. Made it to the balcony with no issues. Continued on towards the peak. All creek crossings are quite low and manageable. Things started to get a little spicy at around 3300 ft, when the trail became a solid sheet of ice. I put on spikes and still had to travel carefully. After a steep section of sheer ice (frozen stream over trail), the trail was dry again for a short time. I almost took off my spikes, but was thankful that I didn't, because I would have needed them again quite soon. The trail became icy again and eventually transitioned to packed snow. It was still frozen and a bit slippery. The wind was really picking up as I continued to climb. There is probably over a foot of snow towards the top, but the trail was obvious and packed down. No gaiters necessary. 

Once at the top, I was treated to some nice views and of course, the omnipresent howling wind. Going down was slippery, even with spikes. I guess it's doable without, but I really cannot imagine it would be much fun. Very slick conditions. Started passing some people as I was halfway down, but only saw 4 people total on the peak trail. Started seeing more people once past the balcony and headed back to the TH. Not too busy though. Despite the wind, it was a great climbing day!

Crazy windy day up at Dirty Harry's Balcony and Peak, but the bright blue skies and sun were a welcome sight.

No snow until you get almost all the way to the balcony, though there was ice in places. We didn't really need spikes or poles for this part. One medium blow down is easy to get over.

Above the balcony, the snow gradually deepens, but we went all the way up to the junction at 3450' and the snow was only about an inch or two deep - all new snow. Crossing the stream at 3000' was tricky due to ice on the rocks, but we managed with poles. We never did put on our spikes, but did use our poles above the stream.

There is hardly any snow on the talus above the junction at 3450', so no avalanche danger on the peak trail at this time.

The view point at 3400' (aka Dirty Harry's Living Room) was nicely sheltered from the east wind, so it was a great place to relax on the "sofa" and have lunch.

The trail to the museum is in good shape, with just a couple inches of snow. Spikes or poles are helpful here, as the rocks and a few steep bits are pretty slippery.

It's been a while since I've visited Dirty Harry's, and today seemed like a good day. A nice day, yes, but due to treemelt it was raining in the canopy covered portions of the trail. Thankfully, once you reach the upper parts, say near the turn off for Web/DH Bathtub it is lessened. 

There was about 3-6in of snow all the way up until the last couple climbing sets of switchbacks. It increases gradually, with it being several feet deep at the "top". I did follow some orange flagging past this point to a nice view north into the Middlefork, high above Granite Lakes for a cold lunch. Looking south was socked in solid most the of the day. 

You won't need snowshoes, but gaiters and poles are a must. And some extra layers. I only saw 5 people and a dog all day, good to go on a Friday!

RT 9.2m/3370ft 

Arrived at the trailhead at 7:45am on Sunday. There were only a couple vehicles in the lot, and the restroom was open and had toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Started hiking about 8am, reached the balcony about 8:50am, and the first peak lookout at 10:40am. There is snow at the top that was a bit slippery so we put on traction. Poles were also helpful to cross the water crossing on the trail.

Totally delightful trail conditions today, including running stream, swamp, pure ice, and mashed potatoes snow! Not surprising given the recent weather. I was happy to be out, even though things were spicy. If you attempt this in the next few days, just be ready to get wet! Going up, I put on spikes around the 1 mile mark. This was treacherous going...the rain had washed away most of the snow, and it was just ice underneath. As you gain elevation, there is some snow that starts to appear. It's a bit mushy, but not much (2-3 inches). After the balcony (no views), I continued on towards the peak.

Now, I have done this multiple times in winter before and have never experienced such crazy conditions. The trail alternated between dry and running stream, with the occasional snow field. Sadly, at 3,000 ft., a perfectly normal stream had turned into an absolute RAGING river. There was absolutely no way I could cross that (see picture) without getting extremely wet. Even if I had fancied plunging in, the stream was rushing so quickly, that it would not have even been safe. So I sadly turned around and went back.

Once back on the balcony trail, it was very slippery going down. There is ice hiding between the rocks and under the conifer debris. Spikes and poles, and be careful!!!