The previous report did a good job describing the current conditions leading up to the trailhead, so I won't expand on that much. If you are interested in going before the road is repaired, I would get there earlier than normal since the amount of parking is greatly reduced since you cannot park at the trailhead. Too get to the trailhead you have to hike over numerous downed trees and at least 2 large mudslides/washouts where a water is now running. We started hiking early enough (about 9) that crossing the streams was difficult since the rocks were covered in ice. We would have had a hard time crossing the washouts without getting wet if we had not put on spikes, so keep that in mind.
As the previous report stated, the trail is in good condition all things considered. Once we got to the top we decided to put on our snowshoes as there was about 12 inches of snow at times (much higher where it accumulated). I think spikes would have been plenty to make it too the lake though. On our way out we passed at least a couple of people with snow shoes and a couple groups with just boots. Until it snows again the snow is relatively well packed down on the trail and it is easy to follow.
The lake is still beautiful, but if your only reason for going is too see its green/blue waters, I might wait a bit. Its mostly a green/brown mix due to all the sediment that has washed into it. We had great weather and no wind, so the reflection off the water combined with the ice was a sight to see. Ice had not claimed much of the lakes surface, but I think in a couple more weeks a good portion will be frozen over.
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