NE Ridge of Mt. Hamell lived up to its reputation. It's a steep hike with a brief Class 4 scramble. The attached rope makes it easier and safer but this section alone justifies the "moderate scramble" rating. The trail goes up a steep scree slope (helmet recommended) , descends to a saddle, then climbs to the summit ridge and follows the ridge to the summit.
The last 200m to the summit ridge is very steep. The slope was covered with snow and verglas. It required some care. I donned crampons and grabbed an ice-axe. This part was a full-blown mountaineering. Should be fairly easy (but not as interesting!) in the summer though.