Shepherd Pass is not the only approach to climb Williamson and Tyndall. In a heavy snow year like this one, much shorter routes up George Creek, Bairs Creek and the combination of Shepherd and Williamson Creek are good approaches to climb those mountains. The snow covers the brush and makes nice open highways up the normally brush-choked drainages. 2005 was also a heavy snow year, and the snow allowed me to day hike Williamson twice- once via George Creek and once via Bairs Creek, and day hike Tyndall via Shepherd and Williamson Creeks.
Another advantage of the snow is that the descent can be done very quickly via glissade, skis or snowboard. The quick, fun descents allowed me to day hike both Williamson routes using only daylight hours.
If you are able to assess avalanche conditions and are comfortable and competent on steep snow, any of those routes will provide an experience you won't soon forget.
