This time of year there are seldom snow condition reports because this time of year the snow reports are seldom encouraging. Sometimes in dry years the trail on the backside can be blown clear, but this is a heavy early snowfall year. Crampons are unlikely to be helpful or even useful.
Should you find yourself in a situation where 'full-shank' or 'double-boot' are relevant to your progress, you are either way off route or you are in conditions such that you shouldn't be there at all.
Early season conditions in the higher parts of the Sierra are a good time to have current avi training,
Guide services that work the mountaineers route don't visit until the snow surface starts to set up for travel in the spring.
Good luck, Be safe
Dale B. Dalrymple
