South Sister Volcano peak
South Sister Volcano rises to 10,358 ft in Cascade-Range within the Cascade Range range.
Standing tall at an elevation of 10,358 feet (3,157 meters), it is the third highest summit in Oregon. As part of the larger Three Sisters Volcanic Complex, South Sister is a stratovolcano that formed as a result of successive volcanic eruptions over thousands of years.
During the winter season, South Sister Volcano receives heavy snowfall due to its high elevation. The snowpack range can vary depending on the year and weather conditions, typically ranging from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters). This makes it a popular destination for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing enthusiasts.
The mountain's runoff feeds into several creeks and rivers in the region, including the Deschutes River and the upper reaches of the Middle Fork Willamette River. These water sources contribute to the local ecosystem and provide vital resources for the surrounding communities.
The name "South Sister" refers to its location in relation to the nearby peaks of Middle Sister and North Sister. The Native American names for these mountains translate to "Faith", "Hope", and "Charity" respectively, reflecting their significance in local folklore. Many legends and stories surround South Sister, including tales of ancient volcanic activity and spiritual connections to the land. Its prominent profile and breathtaking beauty continue to inspire awe and admiration, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Cascade-Range range.
Snowpack near South Sister Volcano
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Marion Forks | 1 in | → |
| Irish Taylor | 1 in | → |
| Smith Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mckenzie | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Peavine Ridge | 322 in | → |
| Irish Taylor | 1 in | → |
| Santiam Jct. | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Jump Off Joe | 3 in | → |
| Marion Forks | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Summit Lake | 1 in | → |
| Summit Lake | 2 in | → |
| Mckenzie | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near South Sister Volcano
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mckenzie River Near Vida | 2,580 cfs | → |
| N.Umpqua R Blw Warm Springs Ck Nr Toketee Falls | 79 cfs | → |
| Smith R Ab Smith R Res Nr Belknap Sprgs | 17 cfs | → |
| M F Willamette R Ab Salt Cr. | 556 cfs | → |
| South Fork Mckenzie River Near Rainbow | 346 cfs | → |
| Blue River At Blue River | 470 cfs | → |
| Warm Springs River Near Kahneeta Hot Springs | 235 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around South Sister Volcano
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of South Sister Volcano.
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