Trip Report
Winter Scramble - Sourdough Mountain (winter)
A gorgeous (and strenuous ;) day in the North Cascades with too many peaks to count in all directions.
Dave Morgan
- Sat, Feb 10, 2018
- Winter Scramble - Sourdough Mountain (winter)
- Sourdough Mountain (winter)
- Scrambling
- Successful
-
- Road suitable for all vehicles
-
The trail was clear of snow to ~2500’, with surprisingly consolidated snow conditions above (made possible by recent rains and snow levels above 6000’). The usual ‘crux’ at the narrowing in the ridge at ~5600’ was very mellow, however, a spot just south of the normal crux required a traverse (just boots, no snow shoes) of steep hard snow to stay well away from the cornice formed on the east side of the ridge. A photo of this spot (looking south from the top of the normal crux) can be seen here.
A gorgeous (and strenuous ;) day in the North Cascades with too many peaks to count in all directions. For fit and well trained parties this is one of the best winter time places to see the North Cascades. The last ~1.2 miles and ~800’ gain from the ‘crux’ is well worth the effort on a beautiful and wind swept plateau (can be seen here ) with jaw dropping views in all directions. The total time was 9.5 hours, with 5.5 hours for the ascent and a ~40 minute break near the summit. Photos from this and other trips to this venue can be seen here.