SPRING AT LAST! - MAY 10, 2013

Jenny Lake Overlook - 5/10/13

After a cold April kept things mostly frozen on the valley floor, spring seems to finally be taking hold as the snowline retreats up the hillsides and the lakes begin to thaw.  Consistent snow will be encountered at an elevation of approximately 7500-8000'.  The snowpack appears to have transitioned at all but the highest, shaded elevations with most aspects and elevations showing signs of late-day avalanche activity.  

REMINDER:  Baxter’s Pinnacle and its southwest descent gully are closed due to an active peregrine falcon nest. The nearby climb, No Perches Necessary is open.  Please be sensitive during this critical nesting period. 

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station will open for the summer season at 8 a.m. on June 8, 2013.

Over the next couple weeks, keep an eye out for the first conditions information updates of the 2013 season!    

Backcountry camping permits are required year-round for all overnight trips into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park.  Climbers and hikers can obtain free backcountry camping permits at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center prior to June 8.  Detailed information can be found in the links on the right.

 Retreating snowline on St Johns & Rockchuck - 5/10/13

Some evidence of wet slide activity on NE Snowfields - Mt Owen - 5/10/13

BAXTER'S PINNACLE CLOSED FOR NESTING PEREGRINE FALCONS - MAY 1, 2013

Beginning Wednesday, May 1, an area including Baxter’s Pinnacle and its southwest descent gully will be closed due to an active peregrine falcon nest.

In 2011, a peregrine falcon pair established a new nest near Baxter’s Pinnacle; this is the third year in a row that a closure will be levied to protect both climbers and falcons. As the peregrines reclaim this previous nest area, it is an especially critical time for them; therefore, it is important that climbers comply with the posted public closure.

Peregrines are territorial and aggressive birds especially while nesting and incubating eggs; they become even more protective after their chicks hatch.  This area is predicted to remain closed until mid-August when the young birds have fledged or biologists determine there is no longer a risk to either climbers or the falcons.

The peregrine falcon is among the world’s fastest birds, flying at 40-55 mph and diving at more than 200 mph while defending territory or striking prey. This poses a safety risk to climbers who could be knocked off the route and injured.

The Teton Park Road is also open to motorized vehicle traffic for the summer season.  

Backcountry camping permits are required year-round for all overnight trips into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park.  Climbers and hikers can obtain free backcountry camping permits at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center.  Detailed information can be found in the links on the right.

ADDED SNOW TO THE MOUNTAINS - APRIL 24, 2013

Slab avalanche below the Lower Saddle 4/24/13

The last avalanche advisory was posted for the 2012-2013 season.  The Avalanche Center weather stations will remain operational,  24 hour weather and weekly summaries will continue to be posted through the middle of May.   Please visit the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center website.   

We are not yet posting specific route condition updates, however the HOMEPAGE will continue to provide updates on general conditions in the Teton Range throughout the spring.

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station remains closed.   Backcountry camping permits can be obtained at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose. Call 307-739-3309 for more information.

WINTER RETURNS WITH POWDER AND A WARM FOG - MARCH 27, 2013

A few days after a spring snowstorm brought new snow to the range, the skies cleared and skiers hit the high peaks.   This week a ski descent of the Grand Teton (Otterbody) was filmed from the air.  Others enjoyed descents of Mt. Buck, the South and Middle Teton, Dissapointment Peak and many other powder slopes in between.  That clear and cold day was soon replaced by rising temperatures, warm fog and crust!  What will April bring?