High Sierra Topix

Heading toward the Keyhole from Darwin Bench, I attempted to pass Lake 11540 on its east side, but I encountered a snowfield that was steeper than my gumption could tolerate, so I turned back. I didn't attempt passing the western side of the lake because it looked like a talus slog that steeply sloped to the water. But I'm curious - have any of you passed the lake on its west? Is that the best way?

another reason I ask is that it was such a dry winter, I wonder if that snowfield would be there anyway and there was a way to pass it that I didn't realize

I crossed on the east side in July 2014 (also a low snow year) headed to Alpine Col. I don't recall any significant snow on that side. We did climb up and down a few ramps as we made our way to the isthmus between lakes 11540 and 11546. I'd bet you'll be ok on the east side this year.

TR: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11446&p=86400

Well, I've mulled over for this some time and realized that Roper indirectly says to pass Lake 11540 on its east side bceause he says to pass between this lake and the adjacent Lake 11546. I'm simultaneously ashamed and proud that I finally made this literary interpretation.