[pct-l] Russian Wilderness snow conditions

[Deems]

I cant believe the conditions in the Russians are now what you've heard. I 
just spent a week in the Trinity Alps and the snow was pesky mostly at about 
7500 ft. I was hiking cross country on the High Route, so I was asking for 
it. Continue making your plans as you desire, the snow if any on the PCT 
will be short, only on a north slope. I drove over Carter Mdws summit today, 
and only saw a couple small patches above the PCT. No ice axe, poles are 
fine. ~~~~~~~ I'm section hiking P, Q and R starting the middle of next week 
(Castle Crags to Ashland).  Thanks to all of you who gave me such good 
information in May when I wrote with questions.  A special thanks to 
"are-we-there-yet" for all your help.

I just heard today, July 2, that the snow conditions in the Russian 
Wilderness are pretty dicy.  Still lots of snow on those steep traverses and 
not great alternatives.  Has anyone heard from a hiker who's been through 
there recently?  I probably won't get there until around July 15, so I'm 
hoping the weather will stay warm and dry so that the melt will continue. 
I'll have my hiking poles, but should I be taking an ice ax as well?

--Susan from Spokane