Sierra conditions for a Washington dufus

[rubberlegs]

Howdy all,

We are going on a backpack trip north of the end of Hwy 180's end, towards Cartridge Pass and Granite Pass and Bench Lake and environs. What snow conditions should we expect? Should I bring an axe if I want to do some peakbagging off trail?

Up here in Washington I pretty much always bring an axe, but the North Cascades ain't the Sierra! This is my first overnight trip in the Sierra so I'm a complete newbie.

Thanks all,
-rubberlegs

[MooseTracks]

Rubberlegs:

Conditions are pretty variable up there right now, but for the most part melted out. If you try to bag some peaks with chutes/colouirs to the summits, you may encounter some snow/neve ice, but I would generally think you can stay on rock around most of it.

Good luck, be safe, and have a great time!

-Laura

[rubberlegs]

Thanks, Moose. You were right! No snow was any issue for us.