After trimming by Gold Country Trails Council members, the bypass around is short and safe with decent footing. They recommend using the bypass rather than staying on the trail.
Some riders may want to dismount and lead their horse, or choose to remain mounted on the bypass.
UPDATE: 8/23/19
Report from Tahoe National Forest Mounted Patrol from Skillman Horse Camp today. Coming back along the Hallelujah heading west, just past intersection where it branches off to Towle Mill and begin the downhill zigzag, encountered a large dead tree across the trail.
Clipped enough so that we could bypass by leading our steady mounts over around. Passible for hikers and experienced trail horses, but but it may not be ideal for green trail horses.