April 27-29, South and Middle Sisters, OR

Had a great 3 days in the Sisters.
Temps were high and stuff got pretty sloppy at times, but with clear evenings a firm enough crust formed for good morning flotation and corn harvesting.   Perhaps this cooler week will set it up a little deeper.

Pole Creek:  On Thursday, 27, we parked 3 miles from the TH.   Some intrepid souls had pressed farther, but it looked dicey.    By Saturday, 29, there was enough melt out that several cars were parked only a mile from the TH.   This coming w-e, you're looking at easy pickings.

From a camp at Chambers Lakes, we climbed the North Ridge of South and skied the south side of Hodge Crest.   Then, traversed above Green Lakes to cross and ski down the Prouty.
Sweet, sweet, sweet line would be the entire east aspect of Hodge Crest.  Looked very buttery smooth, without any sign of the rimey surface we got on the south aspect.   Might be tricky getting to the top of the line. 

Next day we carried camping shwag up to 8500' on Middle.   Climbed up and skied down the southeast aspect.   This was great, apart from the upper ridge where we dropped through the thin crust, sometimes up to our waist.   Upon returning to our cached gear at 8500' (which had been rid of any extraneous food by crafty ravens), we traversed the Diller Glacier to hit the Hayden as a nice exit.   Mush-fest ensued, but a good time was had by all.

A few pics, with more to be found here:


Heading up South, Middle behind.


Descending Middle, SE ridge.


Harvesting on the Hayden.