Does anyone know, generally speaking, if crampons are needed on Crawford Path up to Pierce in early March? We don't plan on going any farther than Pierce, maybe down Webster Cliff and Mizpah Cutoff.
No need for crampons but you should have microspikes. In march there are frequently sunny days where the packed down snow in the trail melts and refreezes overnight. In the AM the trail can resemble a bob sled chute (and in the afternoon a wet soggy mess). Generally snow shoes are not needed on your proposed loop, but snowshoes and crampons are definitely recommended if you add on Eisenhower.
What he said. Of course you could get a foot of snow the night before..... Generally the cleats on snowshoes are enough. The hardest spot is descending to the hut and that might require micro's. Climbing up from the junction can have some ice but usually can be avoided.