Sand Mountain peak
Sand Mountain rises to 5,459 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Cascade Range range.
It spans a substantial area, with a length of about 3 miles and a width of 1.5 miles. This impressive mountain offers a range of mountaineering opportunities for enthusiasts seeking a challenging adventure.
During the winter season, Sand Mountain experiences a diverse snowpack range, varying from year to year. Snow accumulations can reach significant depths, with an average snowpack depth of around 8 to 12 feet. This makes it an attractive destination for winter sports enthusiasts, such as snowshoers and backcountry skiers.
As for water runoff, Sand Mountain contributes to the flow of several creeks and rivers in the surrounding area. These waterways include the Sandy River, which receives runoff from melting snow and glaciers on the mountain. The Sandy River is renowned for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
The origins of the name "Sand Mountain" are not definitively known, but there are a few interesting theories and legends associated with it. Some believe that the name reflects the sandy nature of the slopes on the mountain, while others suggest it may have been named after an early settler or explorer with the surname Sand. Regardless of its origins, Sand Mountain remains an iconic and alluring destination for mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Sand 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Summit Lake | 1 in | → |
| Marion Forks | 1 in | → |
| Santiam Jct. | 1 in | → |
| Summit Lake | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Marion Forks | 1 in | → |
| Cascade Summit | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Peavine Ridge | 322 in | → |
| Mt Hood Test Site | 11 in | → |
| Smith Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Irish Taylor | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Red Hill | 1 in | → |
| Mckenzie | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Sand Mountain
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Grove Fork Above Powerplant Intake | 317 cfs | → |
| South Fork Mckenzie River Near Rainbow | 346 cfs | → |
| M F Willamette R Ab Salt Cr. | 556 cfs | → |
| Mckenzie River Blw Leaburg Dam | 2,740 cfs | → |
| Mckenzie River Near Vida | 2,580 cfs | → |
| Oak Grove Fork Near Government Camp | 74 cfs | → |
| Clackamas River Above Three Lynx Creek | 961 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 Sand Mountain
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Sand Mountain.
Ski areas
- Mt. Bachelor
- Willamette Pass
- Mission Ridge Ski Area
- The Summit At Snoqualmie
- Hoodoo Ski Area
- Mt. Hood Skibowl
River runs
- Headwaters To Mt Jefferson Wilderness Boundary
- Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Boundary To Highway 22
- Headwaters To Blue River Reservoir
- Headwaters Of Sevenmile Creek To Confluence With Latiwi Creek
- West Section Line Of Sec 31, T12s, R6e To Middle Santiam Wilderness Boundary
- Source To Confluence With Metolius River
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