Marty,
We have a group going out of Cottonwood as well but on the 14th. We are going via Cottonwood Pass to avoid the snow at New Amry Pass, but this may not be an issue by the time we get there. I havent seen any recent reports. Maybe we will run into each other at some point since we are only out there for 4 days (possibly 5 if the decent takes a while). I will have a red North Face Pack.
Cant wait to see a report of the area after this weekend!