North Sister conditions

[PVD]

I'm wondering if anyone has recent condition information -- particularly for the terrible traverse. Is the snowfield melted out?

 

Thanks

[taylorm]

I returned to Bend yesterday after a week in Nevada to find that the three sisters have had a recent dusting of snow. Not enough to make you want to grab your ice axe- just a light dusting of snow on scree (which makes for pretty unpleasant climbing in my opinion.)

 

Hope that helps, I haven't seen the traverse myself.

[cemmes]

I was up on it about a week ago. The traverse was completely melted out when I was up and so was the bowling alley. Almost no rock fall at the time too. I felt pretty solid the whole way up. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

 

Don't know about the recent snow.

[billclimbs]

Is the McKenzie pass still closed. If so where is the access for the saddle between N and Mid Sister. Approach?

[justinp]

Is the McKenzie pass still closed. If so where is the access for the saddle between N and Mid Sister. Approach?

huh?

 

(which makes for pretty unpleasant climbing in my opinion.)

bump

[PaulO]

Pass has been open for a... while...

 

My experience in the past is if it snowed more than an inch or two late summer after it melts out it takes forever to melt again. Of course the hot weather coming up might make it better faster

[Water]

Check ODOT for the 242 closure if that is still in effect limiting access from the west side. If so, find another route over and I'd say go to pole creek TH which is SW of the town of Sisters. From there you can take the soap creek trail and veer off after a bit on a trail which will place you right around the SE ridge of N Sister. I think I'd personally recommend getting up onto the ridge as early as possible..you don't want to keep going up the 'flat' area that parallels the hayden glacier unless you are just going to go up the S ridge of N sister. coming from the pole creek TH taking the SE ridge would be quickest, I believe

 

good luck

Edited September 10, 2009 by Water

[billclimbs]

Thanks, I,ll give a call

[PVD]

 

 

Thanks for all the responses. I was in Central Oregon this week, but decided to pass on N. Sister after seeing the recent dusting of snow. I've had a couple of pretty unpleasant experiences with thin snow on steep scree. It probably has melted by now with the hot weather down there, but who knows.

Headed into Diamond Peak Wilderness instead; to Fawn Lake, then an easy scramble up Lakeview Mountain. Beautiful area.