The snow started a little below horse camp today. The snow quality had changed significantly since my last hike here about a week ago. It seems to have rained a lot, melting and consolidating the snow pack, and then snowed another 4-5 inches on top. I was breaking trail on the new snow, though the old bootpack was still easy to follow.
My main concern on the trail in the coming weeks is a snow bridge about halfway between horse camp and the summit (after heading left from horse camp around the lollipop). The snow bridge is not obvious visually. I could hear water rushing under the snow while standing directly on it, and looking downhill from the trail it's clear there is a stream running under the snow and into the bigger creek below. One of these days, the snow bridge will collapse. Recent rain and warm weather has brought that day closer. Use caution and watch for hazards like this when walking between horse camp and the summit in the coming days and weeks.
Microspikes were sufficient traction on the snow today. I would not have felt comfortable without them.
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