South Sister Conditions?

[Climb Enthusiast]

Anyone been up South Sister lately via the Devil's Lake Trail? I have a friend heading up this week who is bringing some newbies with him and doesn't want them to have to rent gear if it isn't necessary. I'm having trouble finding any current conditions and thought someone here might have been out there in the last week or two.

 

Mostly want to know where the snow level starts and if the snow conditions warrant bringing ice ax and crampons along.

 

Thanks!

[MJaso]

I summited SS last weekend and the snow started right around 5500' in patches. I brought crampons and a tool but never needed them as I relied on my treking poles. Anyways, the best advice I can give is to bring some DEET because those mo fo misquitoes are out in full force. I brought the "natural" repellant and the skeeters laughed at that sh!t. Do not take the above advice lightly.

 

A ice ax my be useful for the glissading, then again I use my trekking poles.

 

I tried to post some photos but it appears to be having technical difficulties. I'll try again later.

[Climb Enthusiast]

Thanks!

[Snackem]

How much glissading is there? Did you ever use your crampons or did decent hiking boots suffice?

[Snackem]

How much glissading is there? Did you ever use your crampons or did decent hiking boots suffice?

[MJaso]

There were several spots to glisade several hundred feet at a time. I shortened my trekking poles and used those for a brake, never felt the need to get out the axe. The boot track was established enough that crampons did not become a neccesity. The snow was definately slushy and the crampons my give some a greater since of stability.

[wimsey]

We jogged it Friday, running shoes, no problem.