How to get initial height of Sortable list?

How to get initial height of Sortable list?

Is there a way to obtain the initial height of a Sortable list?  I am currently trying to create two connected lists with all of the attributes starting in a left column.  I would like the right column to match the height of the left column, but cannot figure out a way to detect the height of the left column.

I have tried using .css('height') to no avail.  I am guessing that because I do not specify the height in css, it does not actually calculate a height for me.  Is there a better way?!

Thank you!!!