On June 20th, 2012, the only snow encountered was the snow field on the back side. Two deep ruts from boots across 40 yards of snow. Really no problem. No tools needed, although the hiking poles were handy.
This will not happen this year for sure but on 8/2/97, I crossed a similar snow field on Mt. Whitney, this was before the reconstruction of the trail around the mountain.
It is just not the size of the winter...I crossed Cottonwood Pass in early to mid June after the last two big winters. It is when was the last storm and how warm or cool is the spring...lot'sa factors go into this.
I believe if it not totally clear by mid-June there will be well beaten in paths through all the high sheltered north faces at the cables and above.
