I backpacked over Shepherd Pass 7/3/11 and then continued south on the PCT to Wright Creek. From Wright Creek, I day hiked to Mount Barnard. Then, I came back out the same way.
Shepherd Pass Trail: The creek crossings are not too difficult, but you can't jump or rock hop across them. You will have to wade across 5 crossing including the one at Anvil Camp. There are a couple of small snow patches between Mahogany Flat and Anvil Camp - no big deal. There are a few snow fields between Anvil Camp and the big snowfield below Shepherd Pass - again, no big deal.
Here's the snowfield at Shepherd Pass on 7/3:
http://kathywing.smugmug.com/California ... 41_kCZGRZ2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's the snowfield at Shepherd Pass on 7/6:
http://kathywing.smugmug.com/California ... 99_HdKk4V7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The snow was soft when I crossed it. I did use my axe, but didn't need the crampons. I would still bring my crampons because you never know when that snow is going to be icy and because people aren't always considerate of the next climber coming up because they glissade right through the uphill boot tracks. Everyone's comfort level is different; so you have to make your own judgment about crampons/axe.
There's about the same amount of snow in that area as there was the last time I went over Shepherd Pass (the first weekend in July 2005 when we did Williamson).
Creek Crossings on the PCT/JMT: I was only on the PCT/JMT for about 4 miles. I hit the PCT/JMT at Tyndall Creek. I was going south; so I didn't have to cross the creek. Tyndall Creek was raging and there was a note at the junction that said it was safer to cross one-mile upstream where the creek splits. I then went south to Wright Creek, which is also raging. If you go upstream to where the creek splits it is also easier to cross - you might have to go 0.5 mile or more upstream. Wright Creek was deep enough that the bottom of my pack got wet.
It's really wet out there - especially, on the west side of the pass. The snow is melting off fast, but that makes the trails wet and the remaining snowfields sun-cupped slush fields.
Don't forget to bring a couple of extra pairs of socks, some sandals or other shoes you can wear in camp because your boots will likely be wet and you'll want to have dry feet at camp overnight. I kept my boots dry until Shepherd Pas by switching to sandals to cross the creeks, but after that it was too wet to try to keep the boots dry. I hiked in wet boots the rest of the time, but it wasn't bad because I had extra dry socks and my sandals to wear at camp. Don't forget to line your pack with a garbage bag or put your gear in separate plastic bags because it's very possible your pack will get wet, but that will be okay if your gear (especially, your sleeping bag is in a plastic bag).
More pictures from that area:
http://kathywing.smugmug.com/California ... 36_hRGXRvX" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I still need to sort through the pictures I uploaded and label them. It's fast and easy to upload them, but not so fast and easy to go through and delete redundancy and label the photos.
I got a good look at Tyndall, but I only say the top of Williamson from Barnard. I didn't go check out Williamson Bowl. I could see toward Forester Pass, but I could not see the pass and didn't meet anyone who had gone over it recently. I met a couple of people who were headed that way though. From what I could see - there's likely still a good amount of snow on Forester Pass.
Mosquitoes: I didn't see any on the way in, but a few weak ones appeared at Wright Creek and then on the way out I noticed there were a few hanging around at Anvil Camp; so they're just starting to come out in that area. Bring the insect repellent because it will get worse before it gets better.