Steens Mountain peak
Steens Mountain rises to 9,733 ft in Great-Basin-Ranges within the Great Basin Ranges range.
With an elevation of over 9,000 feet, it offers breathtaking views and challenging terrain for mountaineers. This magnificent mountain spans approximately 50 miles in length and encompasses an area of about 170,000 acres, making it an expansive and diverse landscape to explore.
During the winter season, Steens Mountain receives a significant amount of snowpack. Snowfall can range from 9 to 15 feet, creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The snowpack on the mountain provides ample opportunities for activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.
The mountain is also a source of several creeks and rivers that receive runoff from its slopes. The Donner und Blitzen River, which translates to "thunder and lightning" in German, originates from Steens Mountain and flows through the surrounding desert landscape. This river is not only visually stunning but also offers opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.
Steens Mountain holds an intriguing history and is steeped in lore and legends. The name of the mountain is believed to have originated from the early German settlers who referred to it as "Steens Butte." According to local legends, the mountain is said to be haunted by the spirit of a Native American woman who was tragically lost in a severe winter storm. These stories add an air of mystery to the already captivating landscape.
In conclusion, Steens Mountain is a majestic peak in the Intermountain West mountain range. With its impressive size, high elevation, abundant snowpack, and contribution to local rivers, it offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. Its rich history and intriguing legends only add to the allure of this remarkable mountain.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Great-Basin-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Steens Mountain
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Disaster Peak | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Steens Mountain
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Donner Und Blitzen River Nr Frenchglen Or | 106 cfs | → |
| Malheur R Be Warmsprings Res Nr Riverside Or | 0 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 Steens Mountain
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Steens Mountain.
Get Steens Mountain on your phone.
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