Cottonwood Lakes

[Phiker]

Hi all,
I'm bringing a couple of people in the Cottonwood Lakes basin next week. None of them have winter travel experience and they don't have crampons/iceaxe. We were planning on going over New Army Pass, but it looks like there is quite a bit of snow/ice lingering so we might just hangout by the Lakes. Anyone that has been up there, either towards New Army Pass or (old) Army Pass, how much snow did you encounter by the lakes, at what elevation does it completely covers the trail (if it does)?
Any info you have might help!

[polishhammer]

I just got back from the lakes yesterday, July 2nd. There is a patchy snow around lakes 4 and 5 (11,200 ft), but it is easy to navigate without crampons. However, Old Army Pass still looks untraveled so far and has a cornice at top.

[ckale00]

Hi Phiker, I posted a report and pictures here: http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthread ... nt_Langley

I went up to New Army Pass via Cottonwood Lakes trail. The larger snow fields start around Long Lake. Easily doable without crampons (atleast early in the day). I went up as far as the last switchback before turning around. Let me know if you have questions.

[Matthewkphx]

Just curious. Does this image describe the path up OAP accurately?

[shtinkypuppie]

Looks about right Matthew.