A comment re: cornices -
A cornice at the top of a headwall one year does not necessarily mean that it will be there every year. Sometimes they form from just one storm, based upon the prevailing wind in that storm.
For example - I remember one year (maybe 2005) when there was a cornice at the top of the "chute" on the main Whitney trail which necessitated climbing a couple of hundred yards to the right of where you usually top out at Trail Crest. It wasn't a huge cornice, just large enough to make climbing it a bit risky.
I'll be up in the Cottonwood area this weekend. I doubt I'll be within eyesight of "old" Army Pass, but if so will be sure to take pictures.
