Sauk mountain (5541')
winter ascent
3/12/2022
Weather Forecast
Tue, 05.12
Wed, 06.12
Thu, 07.12
...HEAVY RAINFALL TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT WILL LEAD TO AN INCREASED THREAT OF LANDSLIDES IN WESTERN WASHINGTON... Rainfall of 1 to 5 inches over the past 3 days has increased soil moisture to moderate levels across western Washington. Heavy rainfall of 2 1/2 to 5 inches is expected today through Tuesday night. This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides and debris flows. For more information about current conditions, visit www.weather.gov/seattle, select Hydrology, and then scroll down for the links to the landslide information pages. For more information on landslides, visit the website for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources landslide geologic hazards at: http://bit.ly/2mtA3wn
(NWS Seattle (Northwest Washington))
.Heavy rain along with rising snow levels Monday into Tuesday will lead to rapidly rising rivers across the area. It is likely that many rivers will reach flood stage late Monday night or Tuesday. ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Washington, including the following counties, in northwest Washington, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom. In west central Washington, King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish and Thurston. * WHEN...Through late Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Excessive rainfall Monday and Tuesday with 7 to 10 inches possible over the Olympics, 5 to 9 inches over the Cascades, 3 to 5 inches along the coast and 1.5 to 3 inches over the interior lowlands. Snow levels will rise to around 9000 feet Monday night before dropping Tuesday. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
(NWS Seattle (Northwest Washington))
Gaia Map
Approximate Route Map
The activities depicted on this site are inherently dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Any action that you take as a result of information obtained from this site or any information provided through Hike2Hike is at your own risk.
Sauk mountain is supposed to be a fairly steep but straightforward climb during summer. From the trail map it looks like most strong hikers can take it on without much concern. But, I needed a strong early season training climb to get ready for the spring and summer climbing season. With the short days, this time of year Sauk mountain seemed like the perfect destination if I got an early start.
The road to the trailhead is covered in snow most of the winter. So if you plan to take it on beware that you will be doing at least a few miles of road walking. The grade is pretty even which allowed me to make quick work of it in snowshoes.
It is always hard to get a photograph that conveys how steep a slope is. But from the first time Sauk mountain comes into view, it is clear this is not just another day out. The main gully going up the peak has a steep grade and certainly gave me some pause. I had enough gear with me not to worry and so I continued on my track. If you choose to follow in my footsteps be sure to have enough ice tools for some mixed climbing.
Even from the lower portion of the climb the views are fantastic. So if you choose to stop here you will still get a nice treat for the day.
The main slope up Sauk mountain does not really provide much room for side hilling or anything really other than going straight up the middle and heading for the main ridge. The drop off here is fairly freighting and the entire time I was making my way up I had to work on keeping my focus on the goal. Any fall here would surely result in serious injury at the least.