CONDITIONS UPDATE - AUG 31, 2018

The past few days have provided snow melting and changing conditions after an early storm. Conditions in the high mountains remain challenging, although climbers are successfully summiting. In order to safely and successfully climb routes currently, climbers should be ready for significant snow and ice remaining in shady areas and chimneys, despite exposed areas being clear and dry. Depending on skill and experience, this may warrant climbers carrying boots, ice axe, and even crampons.

South side of the Grand Teton from the Middle Teton. 8/31/18  

Middle Teton from the Enclosure. 8/31/18

Owen-Spalding from the Enclosure. 8/31/18

LATE AUGUST STORM BLANKETS TETONS IN ICE AND SNOW - AUGUST 28, 2018

The last few days have brought wintry weather to the high country, depositing a significant amount of snow and rime ice on the high peaks. As of August 28, expect snow, ice and mixed conditions on any alpine rock climbs in the range above 10,000 feet. Although some climbs may dry out over the next few weeks depending on aspect and elevation, north-facing objectives will remain significantly more challenging for the remainder of the season, and popular climbs like the Exum Ridge and Owen Spalding will need ample time to recover from this last storm. With recent nighttime temperatures dipping below freezing this may be difficult to achieve at this point in the year. Continue to check the blog for any recent updates on route conditions.

Grand Teton, photo August 28, 2018

BAXTER'S PINNACLE NOW OPEN FOR CLIMBING

8/14/18  BAXTER'S PINNACLE NOW OPEN FOR CLIMBING

The peregrines successfully fledged one chick this year and the seasonal closure has now been lifted.  Baxter's Pinnacle is now open for climbing.  

HIDDEN FALLS and LOWER INSPIRATION POINT REOPEN - AUGUST 9, 2018

The closure area at Hidden Falls has been modified to allow access into the East side of the Hidden Falls viewing area.  This will also open the trail to Lower Inspiration Point.  The trail to the top of Inspiration Point remains closed for trail construction.  The Practice Rocks west of Hidden Falls will remain closed for further assessment of the rock fall hazard. 

https://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/news/hidden-falls-and-lower-inspiration-point-reopen.htm

MOUNTAIN PASSES MELTED OUT; TETON CREST TRAIL DRY - August 4, 2018

As of August 4th the Teton Crest Trail is primarily snow free.  Paintbrush Divide is primarily melted out leaving one small section of wet, loose rock that must be navigated below the lingering snow patch on the eastern side of the divide. An ice axe and crampons are not needed to complete this short, exposed traverse, nor are they needed anywhere else along the Crest Trail.

Paintbrush Divide on July 23, 2018

In Garnet Canyon, access to the Lower Saddle in the North Fork is entirely snow free, and climbs like the Owen-Spalding and Exum Ridge are dry; no ice axe necessary. Be aware of any recent precipitation causing icy conditions or verglas in the early morning. In the South Fork of Garnet Canyon, patches of steep snow remain in the drainage above the Meadows when accessing the standard routes on the Middle and South Tetons. Although some of this snow may be avoided, an ice axe is still recommended. Continue to check the blog for updates on conditions throughout the season.