Hi RW,
The backpacker quoted by the OP said:
We met some backpackers coming
down from the Clark Lakes via Waugh Lake - they said there was still a lot of snow
on the ground up there.
No mention of obstructed trail which is highlighted by the map on the NF site.
The Spooky Meadow to 1000 Is Lake segment seems unaffected. This trail is quite
steep and not the best trail to start off a trip with, but I guess there are not a
whole lot of options available. On a positive note Spooky Meadow had one of the
most impressive carpets of wild flowers I have yet to witness in the Sierra, but it
will be to early for this, if it happens at all this year.
Once at 1000 Is Lake one can take the crosscountry route on the western ends of
1000 Is lake, Garnet Lake, Nydiver Lakes to Ediza avoiding the JMT.
Snow will be an issue, and Whitebark Pass is not the easiest pass, though being
snow covered it is easier, if one is proficient with snow travel (ice axe/crampons).
The Iceberg-Cecile Lake to Minaret Lake will require the same experience, and you'll
have to come back the same way since the Minaret Trail is effected, as is the JMT
up to 1000 Is Lake in sections or one could come back using Volcanic Pass to the Lake
Ediza.
Hopefully they will have it cleared out by June since this is one of the sections I
am considering starting 11 June, though I may go either way.