With low avalanche danger and sun in the forecast, I set out to climb Not So Sasse Peak and Sasse Mountain. My plan was to complete a loop by traversing Sasse Ridge to Howson Peak and Point 5159, with a contingency plan to turn around after Sasse Mountain.
I parked across the street from the trailhead (Sno-Park permit required) and headed out at 8:30 AM. I wore snowshoes for essentially the entire trip, although the snow was initially consolidated and microspikes would have sufficed.
After a short walk through the forest, I crossed Howson Creek across a thin snow bridge that appeared to be supported by some logs. Beyond the creek, I headed west up a steep slope, gaining about 2,000 feet in just under a mile.
Topping out on a ridge at about 5,000 feet, Not So Sasse came into view to the NE and a few ski tracks were visible on its west face. Traversing the ridge, I encountered some small cornices that were easily avoided. As the ridge turned north, steeper terrain sloped down to the east. Due to the lack of tree coverage through this section, the wind was a greater factor but never significantly impaired my progress.
After reaching the high point of Not So Sasse, I followed the ridge to the east, descending and then regaining several hundred feet. After a gentle climb through a burned out forest, I arrived at noon on the broad summit of Sasse Mountain. Views to the north and west were obstructed by trees, almost all of which burned in the 2017 Jolly Mountain fire.
Because it was still relatively early, I decided to continue the loop by following the ridge toward Howson Peak. This section was the highlight of the day, requiring navigation along an occasionally razor-thin, corniced ridge. None of the cornices were very large, but fracture lines were visible and I carefully routed around them. Approaching Howson Peak, I scrambled over a few exposed boulders that were blocking the ridge line.
The views from Howson Peak surpass those of Sasse and Not So Sasse, with nearly unobstructed views in all directions. After taking a few photos, I continued traversing the ridge to the west, losing several hundred feet of elevation before a gentle climb toward point 5159. Reaching the point, I encountered (and avoided) the largest cornice of the day. From atop the high point, views of a partially frozen Cle Elum lake were spectacular.
Descending from point 5159, the fall line initially took me to the right toward Howson Creek, where the terrain steepened considerably. Correcting course back toward the left, I descended along a broad ridge. I kept my snowshoes on for the descent, but they were not helpful in the steepest sections and the snow was probably soft enough for plunge stepping. Completing the loop, I arrived back at the car at 4:30 PM.
Elevation gain: 3,627 ft | Distance: 7.0 mi | Time: 8 hrs
Equipment: snowshoes/traction, poles, ice axe
Additional description, photos and GPS track available at the link below.
Comments
TheDirtBaguette on Not So Sasse Peak, Sasse Ridge, Howson Peak
Just want to thank you for the beta! Its May and I found your report on Peakbagger- and its been the only in the area for awhile! Lets see what happened in the last two snowy months :D
Posted by:
thedirtbaguette on May 07, 2022 09:20 AM