Know if crampon's are needed this week @ Mt. Baldy?

[Hovik]

I am planning to hike from the Upper station of the chairlift to the San Antonio (Baldy) summit. I have been there in May of last year and the snow on the narrow trail just past devil's backbone was too treacherous to cross without crampon's. I just want to make sure I don't waste a trip for nothing...

Anyone hiked it recently who can advise? Thanks!

[NormaR]

The trail you mention is called Devil's Backbone. There is tons of snow still on Baldy with a melt/freeze every day. Hence, the possibility of ice. Bring crampons and an axe. I was there Thursday and it was VERY windy. The crampons kept me from blowing away.
TR here: http://sangabrielmnts.myfreeforum.org/about2648.html

[DaddyLongLegs]

I climbed Baldy on Thursday. There was a LOT of hard, icy snow. Definitely bring crampons and an ice axe and the ability to self-arrest with your ice axe.

Here is a trip report with photos..

[KathyW]

The icy snow can make one of the sections of the Devils Backbone pretty sketchy.