Started in the dark to sneak the peak in before the storm hit. The trail was snow free until just before the balcony. After that it got progressively deeper. I followed a single set of fresh tracks until 3800 where they turned around.
From 3800 to about 4300 the snow was no more than ankle deep, but where the road becomes a trail it got up to my knees. From 4400 to the summit it was thigh deep. The snow had a styrofoam crust with heavier snow below.
Virtually no views from the summit due to clouds and trees. Plenty of wind though.
Heading down the wind knocked snow and ice off the trees before it started snowing properly. The snow extended down to about 2400 where it turned to rain.
It’s been YEARS since I’d been up to the peak. With the new trail to the balcony and snow covering the upper trail it hardly resembles the slog I remembered. It’s still not a highlight, but it’s worth a visit.
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