Hiked up to Dry Lake and set up camp for an early morning summit. Trail from South Fork to Dry Lake was covered by multiple fallen trees and intermittent large snow patches. Full snow coverage starting right below Dry Lake. Lake was frozen over, but Lodgepole Springs was flowing.
We were on the trail by 5:00AM the next morning, leaving camp behind and bringing only the essentials. Deviated from the trail slightly before Trail Flat in order to reach the far left snow chute on the north face. Encountered moderate post holing, but we were able to follow an established track that made the going a bit easier. Donned crampons and ice axe before hitting the chute, which was covered in nice hard snow, making the going much easier. At the top of the chute, we covered a quick class 2 scramble over scree and rock before meeting up with the trail again for the final stretch to the summit. Clear weather, moderate winds, below freezing temp. Hustled down, packed up camp, and hiked out in time for lunch!
Responses
We did it! It was such a crazy experience, San G is a beast during the winter.