A quick trip report for our hike toward Commonwealth Basin. Our goal was Guye Peak, or at least the north col, but a series of mechanical problems, including J.'s old MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoe straps breaking near the start, resulted in us only getting a little bit past the Commonwealth Creek crossing. I gave J. my snowshoes and continued on with microspikes.
Beautiful day, sunny and high 40s/low 50s. The snow was crusty in many places in the morning, but softened up quickly around 11am, and became very annoying with just microspikes.
The first bridge across the creek was definitely not passable (see photo), but the second bridge just a bit further on was great. We tried to continue up to the base of Guye to traverse to the col/Cave Ridge, but the snow had softened so much that I was postholing every 3rd step or so. Given the warmth lately, and the amount of water in the snow from recent rain, you'll definitely want snowshoes or skis to get around here: boots or spikes won't cut it.
I beg forgiveness for all of the postholes I made today!
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