UPDATE - JUNE 28, 2012

Upper Exum of the Grand Teton

While conditions up high on the peaks are drying out, we still recommend an ice axe for many of the approaches. Check out our updated conditions for the popular routes. Crowds have been limited. Mountain Passes and Divides still have lots of snow. The Teton Crest Trail is still not recommended for backpackers with heavy packs and limited snow skills.

BAXTER's PINNACLE OPEN - JUNE 28, 2012

The climbing closure on Baxter's Pinnacle is lifted.  The climb was closed due to Peregrine Falcon nesting, but unfortunately the nest failed so the closure is no longer necessary.

A COLLEAGUE IS LOST - JUNE 23, 2012

The Jenny Lake Rangers and all of Grand Teton National Park extend their heartfelt condolences to our brother and sister Climbing Rangers at Mount Rainier National Park.  Mount Rainier and the National Park Service suffered a tragic loss with the passing of Nick Hall during a rescue mission on Thursday, June 21, 2012.  Our thoughts go out to Nick's family, friends and co-workers.  For more information please visit the Mount Rainier Climbing Blogspot.

YOU ARE INVITED...

GRAND TETON UPDATE - JUNE 15, 2012

Conditions update for the Grand Teton: ice axe and crampons recommended for both the Upper Exum and Owen-Spalding Routes.  Much of the rock on the routes is dry, however patches of hard snow and occasionally ice linger in chimneys, ledges, and cracks.  Ice axe and crampons are also recommended to access the Lower Saddle from the Meadows.

Iconic shot of the North Face of the Grand Teton - 6/14/12

SUMMER/WINTER - JUNE 9, 2012

There is a typical June summer / winter mix of snow conditions around the range.  The snowpack is consolidated in most areas and snow level is around 9,000 feet.  However, late spring storm events are still depositing fresh snow periodically.  Many of the rock ridges and buttresses of the range are dry, but high elevation bowls, couloirs and ledges still hold considerable snow. The warm spring has left snow surfaces harder than usual and boots, crampons and ice axes are recommended for safe and efficient travel. Rangers performed the first rescue of the season for a climber who slipped on snow wearing approach shoes.

Photo of Hanging Canyon just east of Ramshead Lake, 6/9/12

Photo of the Meadows in Garnet Canyon, 6/6/12

AVALANCHE ACTIVITY IN THE RANGE CONTINUES...JUNE 3, 2012

 North Fork Cascade - 6/3/12

Dartmouth Canyon - 6/3/12

 Paintbrush Canyon - 6/3/12

JUNE 1, 2012

The heavy snows ending May 28th  have rapidly settled to six inches at 9,500 feet but depths and drifts at higher elevations are as deep as four feet. Steep, avalanche -prone slopes continue to have  widespread point releases and sloughing with warm temperatures and sunshine. Any steep slopes that have not had recent activity should be avoided if the snow has softened. Routes with eastern exposures become soft as early as six A.M.

Avalanche on a north facing slope at 9500' above Delta Lake

Photo taken 5/31/12 by Eric 'Doc' Janssen