I live in Big Pine, and was up to Second Lake just last week. A few snow patches on the trail but much better than it was two weeks prior. Nothing you can't manuever around, just take your time and watch your step. I made the trek in light Helly Hansen trail runners and was peeled down to a tank top by the time I got up there to bask in some sun and enjoy a sandwich. A gal passed me going down wearing open toed Teva-type sandals (!). However two weeks prior when I went up it snowed on me and was much colder. Up Big Pine Creek, Glacier Lodge and beyond, the temps can drop very fast, so always, even if it looks clear, take some form of cover-up or wool sweater or Goretex jacket. Right now, in fact for most of today, we have had a storm 'up there' on Temple Crag and the Palisades. They have been blotted out of sight by clouds most of the day. There was a dusting of fresh snow down to about 5,500 ft but it melted fast. We have a lot of wind this afternoon as I write this - it blows most of the snow off, but they are saying tonight it is supposed to possibly rain in the valley (don't count on it) and more snow up high. But I don't think it will stick long. Can't speak for the South Trail, but the last time I tried to go up there was was still too much snow to tackle it without serious equipment (crampons, snowshoes).
On another note last Saturday I tried to hike up to Blue Lake out of Sabrina but too much snow yet on the trail. Give it another month maybe....
As you leave the Glacier Lodge site, if you are on the North Fork trail, look for the herd of mule deer that are usually on the side of the hill grazing. The campgrounds are opening up and it's not crowded at all. As we say come play in our backyard, Big Pine, home of the American Alps!
