@COAnn: The chute is about 40-50 degrees as seen in the photo I posted. In the middle of the chute, my feet were never under more than about 6-8 inches of snow. Be careful near the rocks, where you can sink to about hip deep. I didn't attempt the switchbacks, but my understanding is that at the end of the cables, there is a steep left turn up and back. Many people miss this and end up traversing across a steep and exposed, snow covered section to the chute (right in the middle of the photo).
FWIW, I met two guys on the way down who had ascended the switchbacks in tennis shoes (literally, New Balances) without traction devices. That said, these guys were severely unprepared and unexperienced -- no map, were lost when I found them (7:30pm and heading further off course), and had very little extra food and clothing. A bit frightening. That aside, people are making it up the switchbacks without ice/snow gear.
