BAXTER'S PINNACLE CLOSED FOR NESTING PEREGRINE FALCONS - APRIL 28, 2012

Beginning Saturday, April 28, 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 second year 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. Baxter’s Pinnacle will remain closed until the young birds have fledged or biologists determine there is no longer a risk to either climbers or the falcons.  No Perches Necessary remains open.

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.

“Peregrine falcons generally lay their eggs in early May, so this is a crucial time for them as they re-establish this aerie near Baxter’s Pinnacle,” said Grand Teton Wildlife Biologist Sue Wolff. “Falcons are sensitive to human disturbance and will abandon a nest to defend their territory which can lead to nest failure and low reproductive success. We want to keep climbers safe and increase the chances for a successful aerie.”

MAJOR MELTDOWN - APRIL 26, 2012

Jenny Lake - 4/25/12

The warm spring has continued throughout the month of April melting off significant amounts of snow.  The Park is looking a lot more like early June rather than late April right now, with very little snow left on the valley floor.  The continuous snow-line is at about 8,000' with only the heavily drifted and/or northerly aspects holding snow below that elevation.  Many of the valley lakes are wide open and flowers are starting to bloom in Lupine Meadows!   

Looking across Lupine Meadows - 4/25/12

Flowers in bloom at Lupine Meadows! - 4/26/12

SPRING DOWN LOW, WINTER UP HIGH - APRIL 4, 2012

The skin track to "25 Short" is barely hanging on at the valley floor - 4/3/12

The valley floor is rapidly melting out, especially on the south end, with areas of open water at creek crossings growing by the day.  Travel is still possible without having to take off your skis too much, but it won't be long before the "on/off game" gets serious!  Above 10,000' winter still persists, with periods of light snowfall preventing "corn snow" from fully establishing itself.  Currently, the good "corn skiing" is still predominantly below 10,000'

Buck Mountain & Peak 10,696' are still looking healthy! - 4/3/12

SOME PHOTOS OF THE RANGE...

Bradley Lake - 4/2/12

Looking into the S Fork Garnet Canyon - 4/2/12

Middle Teton Glacier - 4/2/12

S Side of the Grand Teton - 4/2/12

The valley floor is mostly snow-free south of Blacktail Butte - 4/3/12

View north from the top of "25 Short"