Russ_climbing

Advice? Everything I've read about the south side route has claimed an easy/moderate 35 degree snow couloir - but the nat'l forest site says there is now a "vertical step" at the pearly gates with some hard water ice?? I'll be there (solo) on the 29th/30th and was hoping to give it a shot - on good snow... Any idea how long the ice step is? Are there any crevases below the 'shrund? I'm from Colorado so the Cascades will be a new experience- any advice is greatly appreciated!!