Spearhead Conditions?

I saw a few posts a couple of weeks ago regarding the approach to spearhead, has anyone been up there in the last few days? Just curious what kind of snow gear if any was required for the approach? I appreciate any advice I will haul the shoes if need be but would rather not as you can expect. Thanks in advance!

I took a photo today looking down that way from the summit of Pagoda. Here - I will post it for ya. Things look good in there right now if a little soggy. As far as snow conditions for our route - (Crescent Ridge on Pagoda) snowshoes were not needed nor were crampons but an ice axe came in handy on the way down. Alan

Alan, good pic, I appreciate it.

Spent all of the past week camped up in that cirque, just got back. Conditions are prime up there; snow is melting out quickly, the grass is green, and there's a ton of water everywhere.

On the approach, you'll cross a bit of snow around Black Lake, hiking up into the upper gorge, and getting to the base of the Spearhead. All is soft and easily manageable in tennis shoes. No need for 'pons, axes, etc.

The rock itself is mostly dry, definitely good to go.

Have fun.

How is it up there these days? Looking at doing The Barb or North Ridge next week. September can be hit or miss up there?

Andy Hansen wrote:How is it up there these days? Looking at doing The Barb or North Ridge next week. September can be hit or miss up there?

A friend and I was up there a couple of weekends ago, we did both the Barb and North ridge and both routes were dry. There is still snow at the base, you can easily get around it and the start of the Barb is free of snow.

We were there this last last weekend. We lucked out with perfect day & night temps and 0 storms. We did the Southeast Arete or something like that(I don't think it's listed on this site) and the Barb. Typical alpine climbing where you might run into some grassy wet spots, but otherwise, fun fun fun! There were some loud dudes(aka bull elks) in the area cruising for chicks.