Like the folks that hiked Dirtyface a day earlier (on the 26th), I too sought a hike on the east side of the crest in hopes of finding dry weather. It looked like the dark clouds from the West were spilling over the range like flood waters breeching a dam. The hike is in the lee of Dirtyface itself, so it was sunny with the occasional snow flurry. But upon topping out at the weather station the winds were gusting and visibility was down to a few hundred feet at times. After sweating in just a t-shirt during the climb, at the top I was scrambling to layer up in what must have been 20-something temps and 30mph-ish gusts.
The hike goes from 2000ft to 6000ft, with solid snow travel starting at 4000ft the rest of the way up. You pass through several types of snow, with the worst coming first. Near 4000ft the snow is wet and slushy and climbing in it is like climbing a sand dune. Step up 1 foot and slide back down 8 inches. Around 5000ft the snow is more consolidated, and hitting some hardpacked boot-tracks felt like being on an escalator in comparison to the slush. Had I not hit harder snow I would have turned back. Near the 6000ft level there are several inches of dry powder on top of a firm consolidated layer. This can be a warning sign for avalanche danger, but the hike doesn't pass through dangerous terrain. Not true on the North side though, as you can see avalanche debris directly below the summit ridge.
Snowshoes are not needed, but good boots and gaiters are a must. I was glad to have an ax for a little added security on steeper sections, but it's not required. It took me around 5 hours from the trailhead, but the previous trip report said it took them only 3. Guess I better step up the cardio! The descent took only 2 hours thanks in part to several long glissades. The joy of flying past the places where you cursed and struggled made it all worth it.
There are lots of blowdowns but if blowdowns cause you concern then Dirtyface this time of year is not for you anyway. This hike would be good training for a Rainier-type climb with around 2000ft of elevation gain on snow. On a cold, cloudy day when the snow is firm you'd have the easiest go of it, although you sacrifice the views.
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