mbynum

I'm considering heading up this weekend, anyone know at what elevation there's still snow around Gilbert (assuming there's any left)?

Thanks for the info. Ended up not going as climbing partners' plans got messed. I may look at heading in late this year though.

I'm thinking October 20th, but may wait till January and do it on Snowshoes. That would also give me a chance to get my Avi I cert. Currently it would just be what I've gained from the Mazamas basic climb program, and what I've learned from avi savi friends.

Thanks for the info! Any major concern about avalanche danger?

I took my wife and 2 of our gym climbing buddies out to Smith for a weekend. None of the 3 of them had ever climbed outdoors before and were slightly nervous about safety. After watching many of the other climbing groups around us, they were VERY confident in their own technique and mine. It pains me to see friends 'teaching' friends to belay improperly, but it seems to be a common practice. An old saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child." I feel similarly about climbers. I personally think it's a good thing to point out bad scenarios to others and to help them see the errors of their ways, as long as I'm staying firm but peaceful while doing so. Two words you don't want to hear around you while on belay: ROCK FIGHT!!!

I'm thinking of climbing South Sister in mid-October. Does anyone know what conditions are typically like during this time of year?

Anyone know what the conditions of the Goat Rocks peaks are around mid-October? I'm contemplating trying to get up Old Snowy and Ives either the weekend of the 14th or the 20th.

Excellent, thanks for the info!

I'm hoping to climb S Sister this Saturday (6/16), I too would appreciate any info on current conditions. Would it be doable for people without ice axe or crampon experience?