Was on Observatory Ridge today. Still snow in the upper sections of Tower Ridge so and axe and poons would be a good shout. Definitely snowy at the Eastern Traverse and probably around or just above the Little Tower.
Got some pictures here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.705077342952191.1073741891.245638...
In reply to Laurence Dowell: Agree with what Al's said there - could have got across Eastern traverse without axe and crampons, but very glad of them on the the exit pitch at the top of the route. It could easily be a couple of weeks or even more before this thaws out.
Many thanks to you all for replying, Stu and myself had a fantastic day on the ridge on Thursday, had to help a couple of guys on the last snow sections because they had no crampons but overall a fantastic experience.