I climbed it yesterday. As the post stated it was totally climbable with various areas of accumulated snow. None on the trail itself until the switches. Half of the switch backs had been bypassed to the (mountain) side. The (CABLES) are actually the EASIEST PART (usually the,sketchiest). The traverse to Trail Crest was snow covered and packed 90%. (No exposed trail on any switches or the traverse to Trail Crest, but all totally doable with micro spikes at a minimum. And poles (WITHOUT BASKETS) ARE MORE TROUBLE THAN GOOD!!!)
From Trail Crest through the Western Traverse to the Summit again is totally doable with micro spikes.
You must figure 1 mph on the back side traverse to and from the summit! And slower if you're not trained!! Here's the real rub. GOING DOWN the switches is also slower than usual. Towards the bottom of the switches you can cut down but the snow level is at the point where you can still post hole your ankle in between boulders!
The rest is just a long walk. And I'd just add, hiking in snow is very grueling/exhausting; with this new snow crampons would be best and I'd personally take an ice ax rather than poles. AND boots would be THE wisest choice as opposed to trail runner as you have 10 miles IN SNOW. If the sun comes out the snow deteriorates very quickly and you just SINK.
Early AM start is the key if you rest/take breaks/change layers etc. I typically can do a good 2mph uphill (5-6hr from trail head to summit) it took 7 exhausting hrs. And 4 to get back to trail camp!
Any later than 1 or 2 am start, and you'll be walking to your car in the dark. Again I hiked it Wednesday (yesterday) started at 1 am and in my car by 4pm.
