Sierras – Palisade Basin in Mid-July

Hi folks,
I'm eyeing a trip to Palisade Basin in mid-July. Anyone want to guesstimate what snow would be like this year? Hoping to take the route over Thunderhead Col, rather than Knapsack Pass, but don't want to get into technical snow situation.

Also, don't really know the permit situation well, can one camp where one likes before Bishop Pass, or is it campground/quotas? Looking for a good stopping/acclimating camp for first day, we'll have the afternoon to make headway.

Thanks!