Middle Sister Reports?

[ConTrail]

Hey all,

 

First just like to say hello since this is my first post but have been exploring the forums for the past few days and I must say, it's awesome!

 

I was wondering if anyone had a TR of Middle Sister coming from the Obsidian Trail? A group of us will be out that way Aug 18-20 and were considering a summit attempt.

 

Also, I am still researching level of difficulty and the technical challenges Middle Sister poses so if anyone has information on that, I would love to hear it.

Edited August 10, 2010 by ConTrail

[PaulO]

Sorry I don't have any report but I am interested in what you find as I am planning a trip that way in 2 or 3 weeks. Please post. This is one summit I have hit about every year since the early 70's. Last year I was shocked by the huge amount of snow gone from the upper mountain which eliminated a lot of the easy trek up to the ridge. Still not that difficult.

[ConTrail]

I'll be sure to post a TR.

 

What type of difficulty should I expect on a summit attempt? Does it require ice axe, crampons, etc.? Basically, how technical is it?

 

 

[PaulO]

If you stay on the main route there is a nice trail up to maybe 8000 feet after that you will be on the snow / glacier off and on. I take an ax as there is some glacier travel and, depending on where you cross, often small crevasses. If there is much snow/ice left on the short steeper stretch on the upper ridge I have wished I had my crampons there. It is not a technical climb, a notch above walking up the South Sister... just be careful and have fun!

[ConTrail]

Great, thanks!

 

The group I'm with probably won't want to take on the summit then since they don't have experience or equipment. BUt I'll be sure to post on here the conditions to wherever we get to.

 

 

[dinomyte]

Take the Pole Creek TH, hike into Camp Lake and do Middle from there. Not technical at all. Hell there might not even be any snow!

[letsroll]

You can do either side. Take hiking poles. If the last pitch to the summit is rock your off to the races.

[wimsey]

Middle is significantly snow covered on the north slope, from Prouty to the summit. (As of August 10th)

 

have fun

[ConTrail]

Thanks alot for the info!

 

wimsey, good loc. my hometown

[ckouba]

A shot from the top of Washington on Fri, 8/20:

 

 

What you can't see in the picture is the trail is free and clear all the way into Obsidian and well up onto the slopes above the meadow areas (was there ~2wks ago as well). Very straightforward route, a little scree and dust from the saddle to the summit, but very enjoyable.

[Holk]

A report from my friend Dmitri says there's new snow as of today in the Three Sisters area. How much and for how long remains unknown.

[letsroll]

Batchie got 3 inches over the weekend. Won't last long.