Part 3 - South Sister - 2.17-19.09

After driving to Dutchman's Flats sno-park outside of Bachelor to set up camp after our trip on Mt. Bailey, we awoke and decided on a rest day in Bend.  We were starting to realize we were biting off more than we could chew.

After taking a day, we were ready for our next item on the agenda: Broken Top and the South Sister.  Like Outkast so famously said in their song "Ms. Jackson" - "You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather."  This was becoming very apparent, and the weather reports were not helpful, giving us 50/50 odds everyday we were to be out.  We packed, tried to go over our gear lists, and headed off.


^{The road in.}

The first part consisted of following the road down to the junction with Fall Creek, near Sparks Lake.  We were passed by several snomos with boards or skis, smiling, on their way out to who knows where.  As we turned off and began to follow the creek, the sun came out, making for some great views.


^{Kyle crossing one of only a handful of snowbridges.}

The sun seemed great, but ultimately, ended up ruining our plans.  The snow became sticky, and when you are unable to glide any longer, sticky snow makes for long and tiring approaches.  We were so close to our destination (maybe 3/4 miles?) but we were so tired and the time was getting late, we set up our camp early near the base of the South Sister.  By this time, Broken Top looked forever far away, and we began to realize that Broken Top would probably have to wait for another time.  We built camp and ate and made plans to ascend the South Sister, although we loosely agreed that summiting might not happen.


^{Cold nights and a need to raise morale.}

The following day, we were greeted with bluebird skies and incredible views.  We realized early on that summiting would not be a possibility, but if we kept cycling down to our water source near Green Lakes, we could lap the epic powder that was all ours.


<sup>Broken Top as seen from the South Sister.


Dan and Kyle skinning with Bachelor in background.</sup>

Our plan was to hit NE slopes that hadn't been very sun affected, and although we ended up eyeing different lines, we maintained audio and visual contact and evaluated the snow.  The results from my quick pits were stable conditions, but also an ice layer about 2-3' down with obvious layered powder of differing consistencies above it.  Heavy additional snowfall, wind transport, or increased sun will definitely be factors in propagating these layers.  I dug another pit and pulled on the layers to give a good photo:


^Layering.

And then of course, we dropped some sickly good pow lines.  Actually, the best I've had all season.  It was really, really, really good. ;)


<sup>Dan drops in.  Kyle waits above.


More lines, and goodness.</sup>

After getting our fill, we headed back to camp to fill our stomachs and brace ourselves for the skin out the following day.  Although our objectives had to be put on the backburner, it was a good day for pow, and it was an important trip in helping us learn to cope with changes in weather/plans.  We all went to bed having a fill of food and pow, and dreaming of the day when we can get the elusive lines off the west side of Broken Top.

The next day, we skinned out, and it was easier than expected being as there were no globs of sticky snow to contend with.  Three snomos offered us a ride the rest of the way up the road to the parking lot, so how could we turn that down?  We reached the car feeling drained, yet craving more (as is usually the case with us bc enthusiats...)


^{The South Sister}