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Past Activity

Sand Mountain Lookout

  • Start date: 02/19/2017

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 02/19/2017

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

This trip offers varied terrain with good views in clear weather of the surrounding Cascade peaks. From Little Nash Sno-Park we’ll ascend a moderate slope to the base of Sand Mountain. If the weather and snow conditions are favorable, we’ll continue along the road to Sand Mountain Lookout. If not, we will complete a lower elevation loop following a lightly traveled snowmobile trail. If the Sand Mt. road is not skiable, we may ascend a steeper, alternate route. Skiers who own climbing skins should bring them.

NOTE. Drivers are in scarce supply for winter trips. If you are able to assist with transporting skiers, please indicate your availability. This will help ensure that everyone interested in the trip can participate. Thank you.

  • Event Leader: Sam Miller

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-484-4586

  • Event Leader Email: miller_sk@comcast.net

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: South Eugene High School, 19th & Patterson

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 170

  • Season: 2017

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Ski equipment, 10 essentials, rain gear, warm clothing, water, and lunch.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 10

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 1600

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

As a participant in many Obsidian ski trips the past 40+ years, I’ve learned that you never know for certain how an outing will turn out until after it’s been completed. You often plan a trip months in advance and hope for the best.

Will the weather be fine or miserable? Will the snow be soft or icy? Will there even be snow? Will the participants be amiable and experienced? To some extent these variables can be managed, but you can never be 100 percent certain what will transpire.

This year’s ski to the Sand Mountain fire lookout exceeded my expectations. Despite rainy weather several days prior to the trip, we encountered good snow conditions thanks to an overnight snowfall. Every member of our group was an experienced skier. When conditions near the summit became icy and cold, the group maintained a positive attitude. After all, we were outdoors doing an activity we all enjoyed.

We ate lunch below the summit as conditions gradually improved. From that point, skiers split into two groups and descended via our road up-track or over the flanks of Sand Mountain. Telemark turns were the order of the day. We completed our counterclockwise loop through the forest and on a snowmobile trail to return to our vehicles.

This excellent outing was made possible by fortuitous conditions and an outstanding group of participants.