Sauk mountain (5541')
winter ascent
3/12/2022
Weather Forecast
Wed, 07.06
Thu, 08.06
Fri, 09.06
...ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WEDNESDAY... Dry and unstable conditions will be present over the Cascades again Wednesday. With daytime relative humidity values ranging between 25 to 35 percent, widespread Red Flag conditions are not expected. However, isolated locations or brief moments of critical fire weather conditions are possible.
(NWS Seattle (Northwest Washington))
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR HOT, DRY AND UNSTABLE CONDITIONS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 658... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 658 West Slopes of the North Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet and Fire Weather Zone 659 West Slopes of the Central Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent. * HAINES...6 or High. * IMPACTS...A dry and unstable air mass with warm temperatures can contribute to active fire behavior. In western Washington, significant growth on existing fires takes place under such conditions. If a fire were to begin, air quality may diminish in the surrounding area.
(NWS Seattle (Northwest Washington))
Gaia Map
Approximate Route Map
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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.