Shepherd Pass Conditions

I have a backcountry permit for Shepherd Pass area starting May 20; has anyone been up recently? Have heard that there can be snow as low as 8-9 thousand feet this time of year, but also that this was a dry year, so just curious what to expect. Have been checking forecasts and doesn't seem like any new snow will be coming (until possibly the 22nd), but not sure of existing conditions.

Main goal is just to get some camping in and check out the Sierra. Planning on setting up base around Anvil/Pothole area, then checking out Shepherd Pass area if conditions (and my fitness) are good enough. In the best case scenario, Mt. Williamson might go, but only if everything is going very well. Would love to have some snow to play around in; living in San Diego recently, not too much of it to go around here...

Thanks for any insight.

Here’s a webcam view that usually shows Mt. Williamson, but appears to have moved and shows Mt Bradley and Independence Peak:

http://www.whitneyzone.com/webcam/will/willi.jpg

Williamson west face will go a lot easier over snow than over talus.

Thanks @Terry! I will keep an eye on that; hadn't seen that site before. Good to know.

Thanks @Paul! That's what I've heard (especially thru the Williamson Bowl). Would definitely like to get to the summit, but it's been a while since I've been backpacking at elevation, so just trying to temper expectations and avoid any premature summit fever :)

While you're up there, tag Tyndall, too. From the top of the pass, the north rib takes less than half as long (< 4 hours RT) as Williamson.

Thomas, btw. the N face of Tyndall, adjacent to what Paul mentions, is in the center of the red circle in the following screenshot, far left top in the current webcam view.

@Thomas-How was your trip? Any update on the condition of Shepherds Pass trail? Heading there June 10 so any beta would be appreciated! Looking to climb Tyndall and Williamson so any additional info to that effect would also be appreciated from you or any others. Thanks! JBirk