South Sister Volcano peak
South Sister Volcano rises to 10,358 ft in Pacific-Ranges 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 Pacific-Ranges 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Taylor | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Peavine Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Marion Forks | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Chemult Alternate | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Summit Lake | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Clear Lake | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mckenzie | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Jump Off Joe | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Metolius River Near Grandview | 1,310 cfs | → |
| Schafer Creek Near Lacomb | 0 cfs | → |
| Shitike Cr | 56 cfs | → |
| Breitenbush R Abv French Cr Nr Detroit | 297 cfs | → |
| No Santiam R Blw Boulder Crk | 635 cfs | → |
| Blowout Creek Near Detroit | 33 cfs | → |
| Deschutes River Near Madras | 3,780 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.
Get South Sister Volcano on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
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Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.