A very active weather pattern will occur in the Cascades next week. On Monday and Tuesday another round of moderate to heavy rain arrives with possible flooding of small streams and the Stehekin River. There will be an increased risk of mud and rock slides in areas of steep terrain and near burn scars. Then several rounds of heavy mountain snow and windy conditions arrive by Wednesday and will continue through the week. Stevens Pass has an 80 percent chance of receiving more than 2 feet of snow from Tuesday Night through Friday. Snow levels may fall to the valley floors at times as well. Those living or have travel plans through the Cascades should be prepared for impactful weather next week.
With its towering elevation, Yellowjacket Tower reaches an impressive height of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). It is one of the notable peaks in the area and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
During the winter season, Yellowjacket Tower experiences a diverse snowpack range. The mountain receives a substantial amount of snowfall, creating favorable conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The snowpack can vary greatly depending on the year, ranging from a few meters to well over 10 meters in some cases. This makes the mountain a popular destination for backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Several creeks and rivers benefit from the runoff originating from Yellowjacket Tower. These waterways include the picturesque Nahatlatch River and the nearby tributaries. The mountain's meltwater contributes to the overall flow of these water sources, providing vital freshwater resources for the surrounding ecosystem.
Regarding the history and legends associated with the name Yellowjacket Tower, multiple independent sources corroborate a common story. According to local lore, the peak was named after an incident in the late 19th century when a group of mountaineers encountered a large yellowjacket wasp nest near the summit. The encounter resulted in multiple stings and became a memorable event, leading to the mountaineering community adopting the name Yellowjacket Tower for the peak.
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Eightmile Campground
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Bridge Creek Camping
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Leprechaun Lake Backcountry Camping
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Icicle Group Campground
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Johnny Creek
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Johnny Creek Campground
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